Do you often snore throughout the night? If so, this could mean a connection to a serious sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In today’s blog, your Syosset, NY, dentist will discuss the connection with sleep apnea, and how to make positive changes to your sleep habits. We also look at treatment with our custom oral appliance.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
When you snore on a frequent basis, this could drive your significant other crazy, and also indicate poor sleep. Snoring occurs when the air passages become partially blocked by soft tissues. As air is forced through, this vibrates tissues and creates a loud noise. This is often a warning sign of sleep apnea, as OSA means that your airways are completely blocked by soft tissues, causing you to stop breathing several times in the night. While you may not remember this happening, this could still interrupt your sleep cycle, the result being major strain on your oval health and daytime exhaustion. Aside from snoring, you could experience daytime drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, moodiness, and episodes of waking in the night gasping for air or choking.
Better Home Habits
You could make a few changes to your daily habits to help reduce the impact of a sleep disorder. For example, rest on your side, not your back. In the two hours before bed, avoid caffeine, excessive alcohol consumption, vigorous exercise, or large meals. Make sure your bedroom is dark and cool, and preferably, free of screens (TV, computer, and smartphone). Avoid looking at your smartphone in bed, as the device emits a blue light the brain may interpret as sunlight. Try to maintain a good sleep schedule as well, going to bed and waking up at the same times each day.
Our Treatment Option
While the steps above could mitigate your sleep issues, you may still need to undergo treatment. Instead of the uncomfortable and loud CPAP machine, our team could instead prescribe an oral appliance. The device is custom-made and fitted for your smile. Worn like a mouthguard as you sleep, the device moves the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues. You then avoid breathing cessation and snoring, and feel more rested and alert the next day.
If you have any questions about how we tackle issues like chronic snoring or sleep apnea, then contact our team to learn more. We would like to help you rest with ease once again!
Syosset Dental Wants to Help Improve Your Sleep
A custom oral appliance could help you enjoy a better night’s rest by putting a stop to your chronic snore. If you have questions about how we help you rest easier again, then contact our Syosset, NY dental office today at 516-433-2211.
