Once a person develops obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), this could lead to a dangerous cycle linked to poor rest and long-term health problems. To enjoy optimal quality of life, you need proper rest at night. In today’s blog, we’re talking about recognizing when you’re in the OSA cycle, and how to seek treatment to find relief.
How OSA Costs You Sleep
How does this cycle stop you from sleeping well? Well, with OSA as you rest there are soft tissues in the rear of your mouth and in your throat that become too relaxed. They then collapse, and in the process, block airflow. You stop breathing for a moment until the brain wakes you to resume breathing again. While few remember waking, this still interrupts your rest, often hundreds of times in a single night. You assume you slept, but in fact you are now sleep deprived! Warning signs include waking suddenly choking or gasping for air, chronic snoring, headache and migraines, dry mouth in the morning, moodiness, depression, and daytime exhaustion. If you experience one or more of these potential warning signs, then please contact our team right away!
The Impacts on Your Health
Along with changes to your mood and exhaustion, this process could also strain your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to illness throughout the year. Over time, the cycle also strains your cardiovascular system too. These strains then increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even heart attack! Which is why we urge you to see us right away once you notice symptoms, so we can assess your risk with a questionnaire and a home sleep test using a small device that sits at your bedside. We also recommend a physician-ordered sleep study.
Possible Treatment Options
Instead of relying on the loud and cumbersome CPAP machine, we may instead suggest an oral appliance. We craft the device based on detailed images and impressions we take of your smile. This ensures the appliance fits comfortably, and offers treatment with precision and accuracy. When worn at night, this moves the jaw forward just enough to keep air passages open. You also help by maintaining a good sleep schedule, resting on your side instead of your back, and keeping your bedroom dark, cool, and screen free. If you have any questions about treating issues like OSA, then contact our team today to learn more.
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Offers Sleep Medicine
At Smith Family Dentistry, we want to help break the cycle so you can rest easier and enjoy improved quality of life. To learn more about enjoying a better night of rest, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.