Have you ever heard of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? Over 25 million Americans suffer from this serious sleep disorder, which could lead to major complications for your overall health. How do we stop sleep apnea? In today’s blog, we’re looking at the comfortable and non-invasive solution to OSA we offer patients in Des Moines, IA, and talking about how to recognize the warning signs of poor sleep!
What Causes OSA?
Sleep apnea happens when we actually stop breathing during sleep. When this happens, the brain immediately recognizes the lack of oxygen and wakes the patient to breathe. Now, the patient rarely remembers waking, and this happens hundreds of times a night, preventing people from reaching the deep stage of REM sleep. As a result, they tend to feel exhausted and irritable during the day, even if they think they slept the night before. Other warning signs include chronic snoring, headaches, dry mouth, trouble concentrating on tasks at work or school, feeling sleepy behind the wheel, and waking suddenly in the night choking or struggling to breathe. If one or more of these potential symptoms sounds familiar, then don’t hesitate to give our team a call and discuss diagnostic options.
The Long-Term Impact of Sleep Apnea
Over the long-term, lack of sleep means a greater risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, depression, and high blood pressure. Along with hypertension comes a greater risk of stroke and heart attack. In the long run, lack of sleep impacts your overall health and quality of life in a number of very serious ways.
The Benefits of Oral Appliances
In order to help you, we may prescribe an oral appliance. You see, each sleep apnea episode involves the soft tissue in your throat and mouth collapsing and blocking airways, causing you to stop breathing. The oral appliance, which is similar to a nightguard, actually moves the jaw forward to keep these airways from becoming blocked. You then breathe without difficulty and avoid apneic episodes. Over time, you will feel more rested and become more alert during the day. The appliance will be worn at night and will be custom-made made, meaning a comfortable fit and precise treatment. If you’ve struggled with a CPAP machine, this provides a comfortable (and much quieter) alternative. If you have any questions or concerns, then contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy a better night’s rest!
GATEWAY DENTAL GROUP HELPS YOU REST EASIER
Don’t let poor sleep hurt your quality of life, talk to our team today. Our practice is ready to help families in and around Des Moines, IA enjoy better sleep with comfortable and custom-made solutions, such as an oral appliance. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (515) 244-9565.