Whether you produce loud sounds while you slumber, or you hear your family member’s snores, this sleep disorder can be a nuisance to the entire household. Aside from the low-quality rest you get from your blocked airways at night, snoring can negatively impact your health. In today’s blog, Sunny Smiles Dentistry in El Paso, TX, is here to debunk common myths about this problem and guide you in getting the help you need.
Myth #1: You Sleep Better When You Snore
You may be led to believe that when you make these loud sounds as you slumber, you are getting better rest. In reality, your quality of rest suffers because of this condition. Snoring causes you to have disrupted airways as you sleep. You may even wake up throughout the night without realizing it. In the morning, you may wake up feeling tired. Over time, this can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and even high blood pressure.
Myth #2: It Is Not A Big Deal
If your snoozes are impacting the quality of your rest or waking up your family members, you may have a more serious problem than snoring. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where you stop breathing at night. One of the most common symptoms of OSA is loud, persistent snoring. If a family member mentions that your snoring often wakes them up at night, it may be time to seek treatment.
You may also notice signs such as insomnia, dry mouth, and mood changes because your body is not able to recuperate at night. Patients with this disorder are also at higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease because having a dry mouth leads to less saliva production. Leaving OSA untreated can cause the problem to worsen. In severe cases, it can lead to high blood pressure, strokes, and even heart attacks.
Myth #3: You Can Stop On Your Own
There are a few changes you can make to your sleep habits to reduce your nighttime sounds, but if the problem continues to persist, you should seek professional treatment. Changing your sleep position, reducing your alcohol consumption, and losing weight may help decrease your symptoms.
Your dentist can also help. At your next checkup, they can help diagnose your symptoms and create a targeted solution. In many cases, a custom-made oral appliance can help patients who snore or have OSA. This is also a more comfortable treatment as opposed to a CPAP machine for patients with OSA. You will wear this mouthguard as you sleep, and it will help keep your airways open. In the morning, you may feel better rested, and your family members will be, too.
Get Help For Your Snoring
Talk to your dentist today about receiving an oral appliance. To schedule an appointment, call Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000