Sleep Issues

[chazmp]

I was told several years ago by an anesthiologist that I woke up during a routine hernia surgery.  She suggested that I visit a sleep specialist but I wasn't having any real issues so I ignored it.  I was a nationally ranked swimmer in high school and college and now compete in long distance triathlons so consider myself to be in good shape.  However, I've recently noticed that I wake up several times a night and find myself a little tired during the day at times.  I may have done this in the past without realizing it but I've been a student (college and grad) until a few years ago so I was regularly semi-sleep deprived.  I've been reading up on sleep apnea and breathing problems and have noted a few other symptoms but I don't know if they're related:
1) I've also noticed that, for being as active as I am, I can have relatively high blood pressure (sometimes up to 135/70 w/ HR of 40-45).  I am 6'3"/190lbs so I don't know if this is significant.  However, other people that I train with show BP of 105-115/70-80.
2) I can't breath through my nose when I sleep and wake up with dry mouth.  I don't breath as well through one nostril so maybe I have a partially deviated septum.  I can train (swim/bike/run) without any significant issues but always wonder if I could breath better.
3) I can't sleep on my back as I get an odd crushing/breathless sensation in my chest.  So I have to sleep on my side.  This isn't really a problem but I'm wondering if this is a symptom of a significant problem.
4) My ears seem to get plugged semi-regularly and I find myself popping my ears to clear them.  Could this mean that I have some oversized/swollen nasal structures or something?
5) I have a pretty strong malocclusion or overbite.  I know that this could be a cause of the apnea.  I thought I heard that you can get bite molds made to keep your jaw in proper alignment and keep the lower mandible from dropping back and cutting off my airway.  Is this an option?

I'm not sure if I should go to an ENT or sleep specialist directly.  I'll probably start with the former.  Does anyone have any comments on my symptoms?  Based on other cases that I've read it appears that my condition is relatively slight.  However, I feel like I should give it proper attention since I'm now getting older (36yr old now).

Thanks in advance for any help.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Yes it would be best to see a sleep specialist foremost. He would then ask for a dentist / ENT opinion if it is required. It would be best if you read a little about CPAP machines on the net and ask your sleep specialist whether they would be useful in your case. Also ask him whether any surgery needs to be done for the malocclusion or any dental reconstruction maybe. Goodluck.

[noops01]

Hi,

Congratulations you are doing very well in life! I think that you are suffering from sleep apnea which is causing dry mouth, wakefulness in the night and tiredness during the day. Yes you can consult a dentist and he will advise you on which dental appliance will be right for you.You are right in thinking that proper attention needs to be given to every problem no matter how small it may be. Take care!