In many cases, snoring is a frustrating habit with no significant health consequences, but there are times when it can be a sign of a serious underlying issue. Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that can cause a person to wake up more than a hundred times in a single night, which can make getting healthy amounts of rest extremely difficult. Here’s a brief guide to what sleep apnea is, the problems it can cause, and how your dentist can treat it.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a health condition characterized by the airway becoming restricted during sleep, which causes the sleeper to awaken suddenly and out of breath. This issue is frequently caused by the muscles and other tissues in the neck weighing heavily on the windpipe as they relax for the night. This pressure can reduce the amount of oxygen the brain receives, which causes it to wake up. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Alcohol use before bed
What Issues Can Sleep Apnea Cause?
Waking up frequently every night can take a massive toll on your physical and mental health and make it quite difficult to function properly during the day. A few issues sleep apnea can cause include:
- Grogginess
- Irritability
- Overeating
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Falling asleep when operating vehicles or other heavy machinery
How Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?
While many people associate sleep apnea with CPAP machine treatments, many dentists today prefer to treat this issue with oral appliances that are much less invasive. These devices are worn within the mouth, and they hold the jaw in a forward position to help keep the airway open during sleep, which can help many patients comfortably enjoy better rest without drugs.
A few ways you can help reduce your symptoms at home include:
- Propping your head up with pillows when resting
- Sleeping in a recliner
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Refraining from drinking for a few hours before bed
Don’t let sleep apnea set you up for frustrating symptoms day after day. Consulting with your dentist can help you find great ways to get better rest.
About the Author
Dr. Jane C. Puskas earned her dental degree at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine where she graduated cum laude. She is a proud member of the Hinman Dental Society and the American College of Dentists. Her office in Atlanta offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sleep apnea therapy. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact her office on the web or dial (404) 261-7488.