Do you ever feel exhausted during the day, even though you slept the night before? People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often report this experience, along with chronic snoring, headaches, and dry mouth. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist explains how we treat sleep apnea, and why addressing this serious disorder is crucial for avoiding major complications!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when airways are completely blocked by soft tissues in the back of the mouth and in the throat that become too relaxed and collapse during the night. The brain will register your sudden drop in oxygen as you quit breathing, and wake you. Few people actually remember waking up, and this process could happen hundreds of times every night. People then don’t reach the REM stage of sleep, and despite believing they slept the night before, remain unrested and exhausted during the day.
Possible Warning Signs
Warning signs vary, but could include nightly snoring, dry mouth, headaches, waking up choking or gasping for air, moodiness, daytime drowsiness, and trouble concentrating at work or school. If you experience one or more of these potential warning signs, then let us know right away so we can perform a diagnosis and see if you need treatment. During your examination, we will be able to choose the best treatment option to help you rest easier! Remember, treatment is crucial as over the long term, untreated sleep apnea has been linked with high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, strained immune systems, and even a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. Don’t let your overall health and quality of life suffer!
Treatment Options
For some, simple changes to their nighttime routine will help, such a sleeping on their side instead of their back, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding alcohol, large meals, or exercise in the two hours before bed. Others may need a special oral appliance. We first take detailed impressions of your smile, which we use to design and create the oral appliance. The device will fit like a mouthguard, and will be worn at night. The device then repositions your jaw, moving it forward slightly to prevent the collapse of soft tissues in the night. You then breathe without interruption and enjoy a good night’s sleep. If you have any questions about identifying and treating this disorder, then contact our team today. We would love to help you rest easier and enjoy a better quality of life.
Do You Snore Nightly?
We would like to help you enjoy a better night’s rest with OSA treatment. For more information on addressing snoring and sleep apnea, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
