Everyone gets tired sometimes. Maybe you stayed up too late watching a movie, or maybe you had something on your mind that kept you awake. Such instances are normal, and feeling a little less than your best on the following day is nothing to worry about. But what if you’re tired all the time, and you can’t figure out why? What if your exhaustion reaches the point where even the smallest tasks seem like insurmountable obstacles? You may be suffering from sleep apnea or chronic fatigue in Glastonbury.
What Is Chronic Fatigue?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder wherein an individual struggles with constant, burdensome fatigue for at least six months. Some of its common symptoms include:
- A prolonged and noticeably reduced ability to carry out everyday tasks because of fatigue
- Worsening of symptoms (such as dizziness, thinking problems, a headache, or a sore throat) after usual mental or physical exertion
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Doctors do not know what causes CFS. Some doctors think it is a psychological disorder that is brought on by stress, where others believe it may be related to a viral infection. CFS is a health issue in and of itself, and it isn’t related to any underlying medical condition.
However, there are some medical conditions that can lead to prolonged and debilitating fatigue. For example, obstructive sleep apnea in Glastonbury (OSA) is a sleep disorder that has the power to seriously affect a person’s everyday activities.
Fatigue and OSA
OSA restricts proper breathing at night, which makes it impossible for people with this disorder to get a full night of high-quality rest. If you have OSA, therefore, you may experience many of the same symptoms that come with CFS. However, OSA often comes with some additional symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom
- Waking up gasping for air
Reclaim a Better Night’s Rest
If you believe you have CFS or OSA, the best thing you can do is discuss your symptoms with a qualified doctor. After performing some tests, they can make a diagnosis and recommend what steps you should take next. While doctors may recommend a range of treatments and therapies to address CFS, treatment for OSA is fairly straightforward and may include:
- Adjustments to daily habits. Reducing alcohol consumption before bed or trying out a different sleeping position can help to lessen OSA symptoms.
- The use of a CPAP machine. This device gently forces air into the airway, allowing for unobstructed breathing at night.
- A custom oral appliance. A dentist who is trained in sleep medicine can design a small device that fits in your mouth and gently repositions your oral structures so you can breathe easier while you’re sleeping.
Are you tired of feeling tired? Your doctor or dentist may be able to help you discover the cause of your fatigue so you can get back to feeling like yourself.
Dr. Keith Hollinger is a dentist who is well-trained in sleep medicine; he has been practicing for over 25 years. If you have been diagnosed with OSA, he may be able to help you discover a better night’s rest. To learn more about sleep apnea therapy, contact our office at 860-430-5687.
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