Did you know that lack of proper sleep could mean issues with your overall health, and in the long term, trouble for your immune system and cardiovascular system? But how do you know if you’re experiencing poor sleep? In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist explores the tell-tale signs of poor rest.
Daytime Drowsiness
Do you often assume you rested well the night before, but find yourself feeling exhausted throughout the day regardless? With sleep apnea, as we rest soft tissues cut off airflow. We literally stop breathing for a few seconds until the brain wakes us. While this interrupts our sleep cycle, and prevents us from receiving proper rest, we rarely remember these episodes. However, daytime drowsiness, irritability, and depression are all common warning signs.
Snoring
When airflow is partially cut off, breathing vibrates these soft tissues and creates a loud sound. For that reason, people with disorders like sleep apnea often report chronic snoring. In addition, you may wake up suddenly in night gasping for choking, or could experience dry mouth in the morning. If one or more of these symptoms sounds familiar, then contact our team. Remember, when you stop snoring, you AND your significant other enjoy a better night’s rest!
Discomfort and Aches
You could also experience sore throat, headaches and migraines, and general achiness. Poor sleep is also linked to strain on the immune system, which means more frequent illness and achiness.
Assessments and Home Sleep Studies
If one or more of the potential warning signs we discussed above have impacted your life, then let us know. We will start with a sleep assessment, which is designed to help us to gain an idea of your resting habits and symptoms. We may also suggest a home sleep study, in which you wear a small device as you sleep, which records common warning signs of sleep apnea, such as breathing cessation. We look at these results and decide if you need treatment and if so, we may suggest an appliance that fits like a mouthguard and is worn at night. The device actually moves your jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues, so you breathe without interruption, and enjoy sleep without interruption too. If you have any questions about our assessments or home studies, or if you would like to set up a consultation to see if you need treatment, then contact our team today.
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Wants To Help You Sleep
At Smith Family Dentistry, we want to help you enjoy optimal health, which means you need a good night’s rest. You could feel more alert, active, and enjoy better overall health too. To learn more about the steps needed to stay alert and enjoy better quality of life, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.