If you often wake up in the night, this could be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The disorder impacts millions of people, and could leave them feeling exhausted during the day. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists talk about diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, so you rest easy once again.
The Causes of Sleep Apnea
What causes sleep apnea to develop? For some, this could be linked to obesity, a large neck circumference, sinus or allergy issues, a deviated septum, sleeping on your back, or excessive alcohol or large meals right before bed. While this can impact adults of all ages, those 55 and older tend to be at a higher risk, as do men. When the disorder is present, as you rest at night, the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat become too relaxed and subsequently collapse. This blocks airflow until the brain registers a change in oxygen and wakes you. While you may not remember waking up, this could happen hundreds of times a night, leaving you sleep deprived even if you feel you slept the night before.
OSA Symptoms and Possible Concerns
People with untreated OSA may notice daytime drowsiness, irritability, and trouble focusing on tasks at work or school. Other possible symptoms could include dry mouth, waking up in the night choking or struggling to breathe, headaches, and chronic snoring. Without treatment, this could impact your quality of life and ability to socialize, and also strain your immune system so more frequent illness is a possibility. After a long time, this could strain your cardiovascular health too, so you’re more likely to have high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke or heart attack. Which is why treating sleep apnea is so essential.
Our Treatment Option
How do we treat a serious disorder like sleep apnea? Instead of using a CPAP machine, which is effective but uncomfortable for many people, we opt for an oral appliance. The device is custom-fitted for your smile and worn during the night. Once in place, this fits comfortably and shifts the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues. You then breathe without issue, and enjoy a good night of uninterrupted rest. If you have any questions about improving your overall health and quality of life by treating sleep apnea, then contact our team today to learn more.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX, ABOUT TREATING SLEEP APNEA
A good night’s rest is crucial for a good quality of life, so don’t ignore your OSA symptoms. If you’re ready to schedule a visit with our team, contact our Sunny Smiles location on N Zaragoza Rd in El Paso, TX at 915-849-9000.