Fort Worth sleep apnea linked to depression

You’re tired, listless, unable to concentrate or remember. You feel sad, depressed and uninterested in activities you normally love. What’s the problem? It could be Fort Worth sleep apnea or another sleep-related disorder, such as insomnia. Weatherford dentist, Dr. Deborah A. Romack, takes a special interest in sleep problems and offers modern diagnostics and workable solutions.

Sleep apnea is a common problem

Affecting millions of adults and numerous children across the United States, sleep apnea causes disruptions in restful slumber, oxygen deprivation and other serious health-related problems, such as heart attack and stroke.

Mostly occurring as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, this sleep disorder makes sufferers wake up anywhere from 30 to 300 times per night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Symptoms include loud snoring, usually very disruptive to spouses or other people sleeping in the same room ( as in the hospital setting).  The snoring results from the relaxation and collapse of the soft tissues at the back of the throat.

Who gets sleep apnea in Weatherford?

Anyone can get sleep apnea, or any sleep issue for that matter. However, statistics show that males over 40 and individuals with a large neck circumference, who are obese, smoke or have family members with OSA are far more likely to develop sleep apnea.

How sleep apnea is diagnosed

People who snore should tell their primary care physician. He or she may refer the individual to a sleep physician for a fully monitored sleep study, or to a sleep dentist, such as Dr. Romack.

A member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Romack uses digital x-rays a sophisticated rhinometer and pharyngometer to evaluate the patency of the nasal passages and the upper airway. She also considers symptomology before making recommendations.

Sleep physicians often advise use of a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, machine. Delivering air flow through a facial mask worn at night, CPAP machines force collapsed airways open so patients stop snoring and get the oxygen they need. Many people benefit from this therapy while others don’t need it or find it too cumbersome and uncomfortable.

Sleep dentists, such as Dr. Romack, may prescribe sleep apnea patients customized oral appliances which force the lower jaws forward, opening airways. Custom-made, comfortable and made from biocompatible acrylic, these appliances efficiently correct snoring and sleep apnea.

Sleep disorders and depression are related

The National Sleep Foundation says that sleep disorders such as insomnia and OSA often happen a before a person becomes depressed,  and that the reverse is true, too.  So, at the first sign of a sleep disorder, or at the first sign of depression, this respected  research organization recommends speaking to a doctor or dentist.

Besides depression, Weatherford sleep apnea seems linked to poor memory and concentration, as well as metabolic and physiological issues such as Type-2 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and congestive heart failure. In summary, sleep disorders are nothing to ignore.

Having trouble sleeping?

Don’t wait for your problems to multiply. Contact Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine for a free consultation with our professional team. Dr. Romack’s skill and experience can get you a better night’s sleep and a better handle on your overall mental and physical health, too.