Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. The trouble is, it’s difficult to identify a possible sleep condition when you’ve been – you guessed it – sleeping through the symptoms. Take the quiz below to assess your risk for sleep apnea!
1. Do you snore?
A. No, I have never been told that I snore.
B. Yes, my roommate or partner complains about it constantly.
C. Absolutely! I snore so loudly, I usually wake myself up!
2. How do you usually feel at bedtime?
A. Snug as a bug! I can’t wait for my head to hit the pillow.
B. I feel okay. Some nights are better than others.
C. I dread going to sleep. I can never get a good night’s rest.
3. Are you a morning person?
A. I thrive in the morning. It’s my most productive time of day!
B. I hit the snooze button a couple times, but I manage.
C. Mornings are torture. There’s not enough coffee in the world….
4. What’s your workday like?
A. I power through 9-5, then I go to the gym after work. I just have so much energy!
B. I usually slow down a little after lunch, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.
C. I have to drink coffee, take naps, or get up from my desk regularly to avoid crashing completely. I have trouble concentrating on my work.
5. Do you ever feel like fatigue is compromising your safety?
A. Nope! I feel great.
B. Sometimes I have trouble remembering small things, but I’ve never made a mistake that could be considered dangerous.
C. I have fallen asleep while driving, or in a public place. I’m worried that I’ll get seriously hurt some day, or hurt somebody else.
How’d you do?
Mostly A’s…
Congratulations! Sounds like you’re getting a great night’s rest.
Mostly B’s…
Be careful! Sleep apnea can present a variety of symptoms, so it can’t hurt to talk with a professional about your sleeping habits. If there are other people around while you’re asleep, ask them if you snore or if they notice changes in your breathing throughout the night. If you have any doubts that you’re breathing perfectly well, consult with your dentist about the alignment of your bite, or ask about the possibility of a sleep study.
Mostly C’s…
Schedule an appointment TODAY. You have some very clear symptoms of sleep apnea that need to be addressed immediately. You may also experience headaches or dry mouth in the mornings, or wake up multiple times in the middle of the night. Sound familiar? Get to a professional as soon as possible for an evaluation and potential treatment with a specialized mouthguard. There’s no need to go through life feeling so exhausted – and there’s certainly no need to continue putting your health and well-being at risk. Book your consultation today; we can help!
