Is your sleep disrupted by abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath? Does your loud snoring disturb the sleep of others? You may suffer from sleep apnea- a serious sleep disorder that causes a partial or complete reduction of airflow to the lungs during sleep, most often marked by loud snoring.
Snoring and sleep apnea reduce deep, restorative sleep. This results in extreme fatigue through the following day, which can negatively affect personal, physical and intellectual performance during work and other daily activities.
The most common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Breaks in your breathing (apnea) during sleep
- Episodes of choking or gasping during sleeping, a result of trying to get air into the lungs
- Daytime fatigue due to the previous night’s interrupted sleep
- Morning headache
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
Snoring and sleep apnea may seem like minor nighttime inconveniences, but without treatment these sleeping problems can lead to serious health problems, some of which are life-threatening:
- Poor concentration and memory loss
- Lowered health and immune system
- Increased weight gain and muscle weakness
- Cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure or diabetes
- Depression
- Increased stress on the relationships with others in the household
Your City Dentist Can Help
A dentist specially trained in aspects of sleep disorders can create custom oral appliances that are highly effective in the treatment of mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring. In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends oral appliances as a primary line of treatment for use in patients with sleep disorders. A variety of FDA form-fitting dental devices have been designed to support the jaw in a forward position and advance the position of the tongue and soft palate to keep the air passage open during sleep and reduce air velocity and soft tissue vibration. These mandibular appliances are easy to wear, portable, and safe. For milder cases of sleep apnea, your dentist may recommend simple lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, changing sleep positions or losing weight.
Frequently the subject of humor, in many cases, snoring is no laughing matter. With millions of Americans suffering from sleep apnea and snoring, the health and relational risks that accompany this condition are real. Don’t settle for a poor night’s sleep any longer. Contact Mendelson Family Dentistry and get the rest you deserve.