Humans don’t hibernate, but we bet some of you reading this feel like you’re sleeping next to a bear at night. The sounds coming from your spouse or significant other can make hard for you to get the rest you need.
As we’ll explain, this can prevent them from getting healthy sleep, too. Loud and constant snoring is one of the most noticeable symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
This is a sleep disorder that many people are not aware that they have. Not treating this condition can have serious long-term health consequences.
Fortunately, you can treat it at our Montgomery, AL dental office. Call Carmichael Dental Care at 334-600-1423 to learn how we can help you or someone close to you sleep easier.
Lack Of Sleep Affects You In Multiple Ways
When someone has sleep apnea, it means they are having trouble breathing while they are asleep. With OSA, which is the most common form of sleep apnea, this is because their airway becomes blocked as they drift off.
Your body needs to breathe, so it reacts by waking you up long enough to take a few breaths. Many times this is so brief that the person does not have any memory of it. Nevertheless, these breathing stoppages prevent them from getting deep, healthy sleep.
That can lead to sleep deprivation, which can increase daytime sleepiness and raise the risk of being in a car accident. Research also shows that people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.
To treat sleep apnea, they need to keep your airway open. This will allow them to breathe and get the deep sleep that they need. It also means they’ll snore less, too
How To Open The Airway
A common treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine. When used correctly, the user wears a mask over their mouth and/or nose while they sleep. This pushes air into their airway to force the airway open. Unfortunately, more than half of CPAP users give up on this treatment within a year.
Our dentists have another option. We can design a custom-fitted oral appliance for them to wear at night. Many patients who have struggled with a CPAP machine have found this to be more comfortable, which makes them more likely to continue using it.
This appliance works by slightly shifting the lower jaw forward. That movement opens the airway more so they can breathe easier. Again, this lets them remain asleep, so they can reach the deep stages of sleep that we all need, according to health experts.
This is also great for you since they snore less often and less loudly. After they get used to sleeping with the appliance, you both may see a marked improvement in how you feel each morning.
Better Sleep Can Be Yours
We can only help if you let us. Ask about our obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Call Carmichael Dental Care today at 334-600-1423 or fill out our online form to request a consultation in Montgomery, AL!