Do you often snore in the night? Along with driving your spouse or significant other crazy, snoring on a nightly basis could potentially be a cause for concern. Unless treated, this could allow issues like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to grow more severe. How does your El Paso, TX, dentists help patients stop snoring and breathe easier at night?
The Causes of Snoring
Why do we even snore in the first place? Well, the issue occurs when the air passages in our throat become partially blocked by soft tissues. As we breathe, air is forced through these partially obstructed passages, vibrating soft tissues and as a result, creating the loud sound we associate with snoring. While many of us will snore at night occasionally, if this is a nightly occurrence then you could also be suffering from a sleep disorder, one that leaves you exhausted even if you believe you slept well the night before.
The Link to Sleep Disorders
Obstructive sleep apnea means the airways are completely blocked by the collapse of soft tissues at the back of the mouth and in the throat. We actually stop breathing for a brief moment, until the brain registers a sudden drop in oxygen and wakes up. We rarely remember waking up, but this can happen several times and these constant interruptions prevent us from obtaining the rest we need to function during the day. If you snore, feel tried during the day, wake up with dry mouth and experience frequent irritability, then let us know. Other symptoms could include headaches, difficulty staying focused on tasks, trouble staying awake behind the wheel, or waking in the night struggling to breathe for gasping for air.
Lifestyle Changes
To limit episodes of snoring, we may suggest resting on your side, not your back. Maintain a regular sleep schedule too, which means going to bed and waking up at the same times each day. Avoid alcohol right before bed, and keep your bedroom dark, cool, and free of screens (TV, computers, smartphones). Often, these simple changes can improve rest!
Oral Appliance Treatment
If your issues are related to sleep apnea, then we may create a custom oral appliance for you to wear at night. The device helps move the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues and prevent apneic episodes and snoring. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today to learn more.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX ABOUT SLEEP HABITS
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team is ready to tackle your sleep issues with a unique and comfortable oral appliance. For more information on our preventive procedures, contact your El Paso, TX, dentists at Sunny Smiles on Dyer Street by calling 915-859-7000.