Sleep disorder is a broad term describing any condition causing you to have abnormal sleep patterns. These issues can seriously affect your health, your productivity, and your happiness. At Daniel Tebbi, D.M.D, we can treat sleep apnea disorders. We also serve areas including Sherman Oaks 91403, 91495, 91423, Studio City 91604, Van Nuys 91436, 91411, and Reseda 91335. We can usually address your dental concern on the same day.

Here are some symptoms that show you may have a sleep disorder:

Yawning

One of the most common symptoms of a sleep disorder is excessive yawning. Yawning is a reflex that releases tension in the jaw and relaxes the whole body. It is also a reflex that helps the body cool down temporarily. While yawning can be a healthy habit, it is often a sign of an underlying sleep disorder. If excessive yawning persists throughout the day, it could be a sign that you are not getting enough sleep at night.

Teeth Grinding

When you don’t sleep well, you may clench or grind your teeth. You may also clench or grind your teeth when stressed or during the day. This can damage your teeth and jaw. You may feel pain in your jaw and neck.

If left untreated, teeth clenching and grinding can lead to tooth fractures, loose teeth, and broken teeth. Over time, it can wear down your teeth, making them weaker and more susceptible to decay.

Increased Sleepiness

Sleepiness can be a symptom of a sleep disorder. Individuals with a sleep disorder often have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or staying awake. If you find that you frequently have these symptoms, it may be time to get a diagnosis of sleep apnea from a doctor.

Snoring

Snoring is often the first sign of a sleep disorder. Find ways to minimize snoring, such as losing weight and sleeping on your side. If it doesn’t help, seek the help of a dentist.

Night Terrors

Night terrors are sudden and involuntary episodes of extreme fear. They can happen while sleeping or while waking up from sleep. Night terrors can cause a deep sleep, so people aren’t aware of what is going on. They are more common in children than adults.

Breathing Problems

Snoring happens when the tissues in your throat relax too much, causing air vibrations. This blocks the airway and causes the tissues to vibrate. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, and it may be accompanied by sleep apnea symptoms such as heavy snoring, choking or gasping, or waking up with headaches or dry mouth.

Sleep apnea is a more serious condition than snoring. It occurs when the airway completely collapses during sleep. This not only causes snoring but also blocks oxygen from reaching the brain. If the brain does not get enough oxygen, it wakes the person up. An apnea cycle can last for up to 10 seconds and can happen as many as 30 times per hour.

Mood Issues

A constant feeling of irritability or anxiety.

If your jaw is out of alignment, you may experience frequent feelings of depression or anxiety. That’s because of the connection between your jaw and your nervous system. When your jaw is out of alignment, it can affect how nerves function in your brain.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

A 2017 study found that participants who slept 6 hours each night were 50% more likely to have excessive daytime sleepiness. So, if you’ve noticed that you’re feeling sleepy during the day, it could be an indicator that you need more sleep.

Restless Leg

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs. The symptoms are worse at night and are relieved by moving the legs. When you move your legs, the muscles contract and force the blood back through the veins, this helps prevent the pooling of the blood in the legs.

The cause of RLS is unknown, but it may be hereditary. Some patients with RLS also suffer from iron deficiency, anemia, bariatric surgery, diabetes, or peripheral neuropathy.

To learn more about our sleep disorder, visit our Daniel Tebbi, D.M.D. office at 16661 Ventura Blvd Ste 620, Encino, CA 91436, which is quite close to Sherman Oaks 91403, 91495, 91423, Studio City 91604, Van Nuys 91436, 91411, and Reseda 91335. You can also reach us at (818) 789-2034.