When you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), this could mean major problems with your ability to feel rested, and even issues with your high blood pressure. To help improve how you rest, then your Astoria, NY, dentist could provide a custom oral appliance to help you sleep without the complications of OSA.
The Dangers of Your OSA
OSA is a disorder that causes the soft tissues in your throat and in the back of your mouth to collapse and cut off airflow. You stop breathing briefly several times in the night, the brain interrupting your sleep cycle to make you breathe again. People rarely remember waking up, but this happens hundreds of times in a single night for some patients. This leaves you feeling moody and exhausted, but also strains your immune system so you’re more likely to become sick. The stress in your cardiovascular system could also mean high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Signs You May Recognize
If you experience the warning signs of this disorder, you should let us know right away. Common indicators could include chronic snoring, waking up in the night choking or gasping for air, dry mouth, headaches, and daytime drowsiness. You could feel irritable and have trouble focusing on tasks as well. If you encounter these, let us know so we can diagnose the issue. If we find you need treatment, then our team could offer relief with an oral appliance.
Oral Appliance Treatment
The oral appliance is a unique device that is custom-fitted for your smile, and is worn like a mouthguard as you rest. The device will fit comfortably and shift the position of the jaw to ensure your air passages remain open and clear as you rest. We create this appliance using detailed digital images and impressions we gather with advanced technology.
You could also help by sleeping on your side instead of your back, avoiding large meals, vigorous exercise, and excessive alcohol in the two hours before bed, and keeping your bedroom dark and cool. Consider avoiding screens right before bed as well, and cut back on caffeine consumption in the evening. These actions, combined with a regular sleep schedule, could help you fall asleep and stay that way much easier. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat an issue like chronic snoring or sleep apnea, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Stopping OSA?
We would like to help you avoid hypertension and other impacts of untreated sleep disorders. To learn more about the process of helping you sleep better, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
