Did you know that March 13 to 19 is National Sleep Awareness Week? There is no better time than now to learn about sleep apnea, a dangerous disorder that can prevent you from getting the quality rest your body needs. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, over 20 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea each year. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this common condition and how your dentist can help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that interrupts a person’s breathing while they sleep. The most common form, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much to allow normal airflow. These breathing interruptions typically last for 10 seconds or longer and can occur dozens or hundreds of times a night.
What Are Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
Snoring is the most common sign of sleep apnea. In fact, many people only realize they are affected by sleep apnea after their partner complains about their disruptive snoring! Other common symptoms include:
- Waking up gasping for breath
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Trouble concentrating at work
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Depression or anxiety
How Sleep Apnea Can Impact Your Health
People affected by sleep apnea often find themselves exhausted during the day and may even fall asleep at work or in the classroom. However, the risks of sleep apnea go far beyond just feeling tired during the day. Sleep apnea has been linked to many serious health issues, such as:
- High blood pressure – Constantly waking up at night can increase bodily stress and boost blood pressure.
- Heart disease – Because sleep apnea disrupts oxygen levels, it may increase the risk of a heart attack.
- Type 2 Diabetes – Without proper rest, your body may not be able to properly use insulin, which can lead to diabetes.
- Automobile accidents – Sleep deprivation can dramatically increase the risk of experiencing a dangerous car accident.
How to Overcome Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, there are steps you can take on your own to reduce sleep apnea symptoms, such as:
- Quit smoking tobacco
- Limit your caffeine consumption
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Avoid alcohol
- Do not take sleeping pills
How a Dentist Can Help You Sleep
In some cases, lifestyle changes are not enough to overcome sleep apnea. Instead, seeking professional treatment is necessary. Traditional sleep apnea treatment involves a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device pumps air through a facemask that is worn at night. While CPAP machines are effective at maintaining airflow, many patients find wearing the mask to be uncomfortable.
These days, there is a better way to treat sleep apnea: oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance is a small, custom-made mouthpiece provided by a dentist that repositions the jaw to prevent your airway from becoming blocked. Wearing an oral appliance at night is an effective and comfortable method for correcting sleep apnea.
Quality sleep is essential for good health. Contact your dentist during National Sleep Awareness Week if you think you may be affected by sleep apnea.
About the Author
With over 40 years of experience in the dental field, Dr. Kenneth Endres knows a thing or two about helping patients overcome sleep apnea. He and the team at Salmon Brook Dental offer custom oral appliances to patients struggling to get quality rest. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment, visit the Salmon Brook Dental website or call 860-653-4551.