Sleep apnea is a frustrating health condition that can cause a sleeper to awaken more than a hundred times in a single night in extreme cases. This can cause a wide range of distressing symptoms that can diminish a person’s quality of life and lead to serious overall health issues. Here’s a quick guide to what causes sleep apnea, how it can be treated at home, and how your dentist can help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea refers to when a sleeper’s windpipe becomes restricted due to the weight of the relaxing fat and muscle tissues in their neck. This will cause the brain to send a distress signal to the rest of the body when it realizes it isn’t getting enough oxygen, leading to the person awakening suddenly and short of breath. This can happen many times a night, depriving the person of sleep and leading to serious health issues like:
- Fatigue
- Grogginess
- Irritability
- Depression
- Reliance on stimulants like caffeine or nicotine
- Overeating
- Falling asleep while operating heavy machines like automobiles
How Can I Manage the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Many patients find they can significantly reduce or possibly eliminate their sleep apnea symptoms by improving their habits or employing a few home remedies. A few excellent suggestions include:
- Improving cardiovascular health: Regular exercise and smart eating decisions will help a person maintain a healthy weight, which will reduce how much pressure the relaxing tissues in the neck can place on the windpipe during sleep.
- Kicking bad habits: Quitting tobacco or refraining from drinking alcohol in the hours before bed can make it easier to breathe and prevent the muscles from placing undue pressure on the windpipe.
- Changing your sleeping position: Some patients find that resting with their head in an elevated position makes it easier for them to sleep. Try propping your head up with pillows or sleeping in a recliner.
How Can My Dentist Help?
In many cases, treating sleep apnea will require the help of a qualified dentist. Many patients are instructed to use CPAP machines to help keep their airways open during sleep, but these devices can be quite noisy and uncomfortable. Fortunately, many dentists treat sleep apnea with noninvasive oral appliances designed to hold the lower jaw in a forward position while the patient rests. These devices will help the patient breath easily during slumber by reducing the pressure placed on the windpipe.
Don’t let sleep apnea deprive you of the rest you need to function well and enjoy your time awake. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to breathe comfortably when you lay down for the night.
About the Practice
Peabody Smile Design offers the finest oral healthcare in the area. Led by Drs. Dhara Shah, Aditya Kashyap, and Ohan Manoukian, the staff treats each patient with respect, courtesy, and old-fashioned customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sleep apnea treatments. If you would like to learn more about oral appliance therapy, contact the office online or dial (978) 278-5478.