Sleep Apnea Treatment May Help Your Chronic Headaches

If you are suffering from chronic migraines or tension headaches, it may be time to examine your sleeping habits. Do you also snore and toss and turn throughout the night? Obstructive sleep apnea is the disorder most commonly associated with headaches. Seeking sleep apnea treatment from Dr. Deborah Romack can help you simultaneously regain your restful sleep and while overcoming that chronic head pain.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Briefly

At Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, we are experts in treating obstructive sleep apnea. It is a condition that can take a real toll on an otherwise healthy body — including headaches. Learn about the other serious health effects of sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the cessation of breath during sleep that occurs when the tongue and lower jaw collapse, partially or completely blocking the smooth flow of air throughout the night. The condition is characterized by chronic snoring, frequent waking throughout the night, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty completing everyday tasks.

People who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea. The condition occurs slightly more frequently in men than women, and increases in frequency over the age of 55.

The Link Between Headaches and Sleep Apnea

How could your sleep possibly be linked to your headaches, you’re wondering? The most apparent connection is between stress. When you toss and turn throughout the night and then wake up feeling more exhausted than before you went to “sleep,” you are likely to be stressed. Frequent stress or pressure is likely to result in chronic head pain.

Deep sleep is one of the best cures for a migraine or headache. Unfortunately, people who suffer from sleep apnea are unlikely to reach this deep sleep stage. Their brain is constantly sending out an emergency signal to wake the body up — leaving the sufferer constantly running on poor sleep, usually accompanied by a headache.

Ease Your Headaches with Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you suspect your headaches may be the result of obstructive sleep apnea, do not hesitate to seek a diagnosis and treatment for your condition. Left untreated, the two conditions can lead to depression, hypertension, stroke, and even premature death.

One common treatment for sleep apnea is with oral appliance therapy. A small, removable device holds your tongue and lower jaw in place for sounder sleep throughout the night. More serious cases of sleep apnea may require combined therapy, involving the oral appliance in addition to the CPAP device, which keeps the airway open with a continuous flow of air throughout the night.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

It’s time to find out if treating sleep apnea can ease your headaches, too. Get screened for sleep apnea or seek treatment for your diagnosis today! Request a consultation at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine today.