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Are you having difficulties sleeping at night, or find yourself overly sluggish when you wake up? You may be waking up sporadically throughout the night due to a lack of oxygen in your lungs. This may be due to sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder typically associated with waking up multiple times a night due to a failure to breathe properly while fast asleep. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your breathing routine is affected by an obstructed airway and improper airflow. If you have central sleep apnea, your brain signals sent from your brain to your chest muscles enabling breathing to commence are either disrupted or not received.

Common risk factors for sleep apnea include genetics and weight issues. If you are overweight, over the age of 40, and a male, you are at a greatly increased risk for sleep apnea. Furthermore, having oversized tonsils or enlarged tongue, or a deviated septum can also cause sleep apnea. Other potential risks for sleep apnea include allergies and sinuses.

Gonzalez Dental Care is here to help you with all your oral health needs. For a complete diagnosis from Drs. Gonzalez and Gonzalez, our dentists in Redwood City, California, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at (415) 334-4554. We look forward to helping you soon!