Getting a good night’s sleep is important for our overall health and well-being. Without enough restful sleep, we experience a range of health problems, including fatigue, mood changes, and a weak immune system. That’s why it’s important to address any sleep disorders that may be disrupting your sleep, such as sleep apnea.
Why Do We Need Sleep?
Sleep plays a critical role in our physical and mental health. During sleep, our bodies repair and regenerate tissues. Additionally, we produce hormones that help regulate appetite, mood, and immune function. When we don’t get enough restful sleep, our bodies can’t perform these important functions effectively, and then cause health issues.
Sleep also affects our mental health. Lack of sleep can cause irritability, mood swings, and make it hard to concentrate. It can also contribute to anxiety and depression.
Sleep Apnea and Difficulties
One common sleep disorder that can disrupt sleep and cause health problems is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when breathing is interrupted during sleep, causing oxygen levels in the blood to drop. This can cause the person to wake up briefly to gasp for air, which can happen many times throughout the night.
Sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems. Problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also contribute to weight gain because disrupted sleep can affect hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.
Sleep apnea can make your days harder too. People with untreated sleep apnea often feel exhausted during the day, even after what seems like a full night’s sleep. You might find yourself struggling to stay awake at work or while driving. Many patients say they have morning headaches, dry mouth, or a sore throat when they wake up.
Your mood and relationships can suffer too. Constant fatigue makes people more irritable and less patient. Some people don’t even realize they have sleep apnea until their partner complains about loud snoring or notices them stopping breathing during sleep. Quick treatment can dramatically improve your energy levels and daily life.
Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea
How do you know if you should talk to your dentist about sleep apnea? You need to watch out for several warning signs. The most obvious symptom is loud, frequent snoring, especially if it’s interrupted by pauses in breathing. Waking up gasping or choking is another red flag.
Other signs include waking up with a headache, feeling exhausted no matter how long you sleep, or needing to urinate frequently at night. Some people experience “brain fog” or trouble concentrating or remembering things during the day. Even if you don’t have all these symptoms, it’s worth discussing with your dentist if you often feel tired despite getting enough hours of sleep.
Treatment Options At The Dentist
So, how can your dentist help with sleep apnea? Dentists can play a critical role in the treatment of sleep apnea through the use of oral appliances. Oral appliances are custom-made devices that fit in the mouth like a retainer and keep the airway open during sleep.
Oral appliances reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. They can be effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea and those who can’t tolerate a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine is a common treatment for sleep apnea that uses a mask to deliver a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open.
Once your dentist determines that an oral appliance is the right treatment, they will take impressions of your teeth and create a custom appliance. They will also provide instructions on properly using and caring for the appliance.
Oral appliances offer some advantages over traditional CPAP machines. While CPAP is very effective, many people find the mask uncomfortable or have trouble adjusting to the noise and airflow. Oral appliances are smaller, quieter, and easier to travel with. They work by gently repositioning your jaw to keep your airway open, rather than forcing air through a mask.
However, they’re typically best for mild to moderate sleep apnea cases. Your dentist can help decide which option is right for you based on the severity of your condition and your personal preferences. Some patients even use both treatments, like an oral appliance for travel and CPAP at home.
Lifestyle Changes You can Do Now
While oral appliances can be effective for treating sleep apnea, it’s important to address the underlying causes of the condition. This may include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime. Your dentist can work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for sleep apnea.
The Long-Term Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea
Getting treatment for sleep apnea does more than just help you sleep better. You’re protecting your long-term health. Proper treatment lowers your risk for serious conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Many patients say they have more energy to exercise and make healthier food choices, which can lead to weight loss.
Your mental health often improves too with less anxiety and better mood stability. Treating sleep apnea can even help protect your teeth because many people with the condition grind their teeth at night. The sooner you address sleep apnea, the sooner you can start enjoying these benefits and protecting your overall health.
Working with your dentist to address your sleep apnea can improve your sleep quality and reduce your risk of serious health problems. Don’t hesitate to talk to Dr. Sara Chen about your sleep apnea treatment options. Give Aesthetic Dentistry Centre a call at (972) 382-6855.