Few things refresh the body and mind like a solid night’s sleep. It energizes us, sharpens our focus, and allows us to function in our daily lives. Without restful sleep, even simple tasks seem overwhelming. Loud snoring, whether your own or your partner’s, often stands in the way of deep, uninterrupted sleep. Did you know that snoring may signal a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea? Let us explain what sleep apnea is and why you should be concerned if you or your partner have difficulty obtaining uninterrupted sleep.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where breathing pauses repeatedly during sleep, sometimes for 10 seconds or longer. These pauses restrict airflow to the lungs, causing blood oxygen levels to drop to unsafe levels. This happens when muscles in the back of the throat relax and narrow or close the airway. In response, the brain senses the lack of oxygen and triggers brief awakenings to reopen the airway. These interruptions, known as micro-arousals, prevent the body from reaching deep, restorative sleep. A person with sleep apnea may unconsciously wake dozens of times each hour. As a result, the body never feels fully rested, no matter how many hours pass in bed. Therefore, sleep apnea carries serious health risks! Without proper treatment, it increases the chance of heart problems, high blood pressure, and other complications.
Sleep apnea can be caused by anatomical differences from the norm. That means a person may have a narrower air passage than usual, or their throat muscles may be looser than the average. Another cause of sleep apnea may be obesity. Weight gain around the throat area can reduce the width of the air passage. Studies show that there is a direct correlation between being overweight and the likelihood that you have sleep apnea.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Here are some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Daytime fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory lapses
- Morning headaches
- Night sweats
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a dental or medical professional for further evaluation.
Solutions at Lakeside Dental
Sleep apnea is often treated with breathing machines or surgery. Many who suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea can use a less invasive approach. The team at Lakeside Dental provides an alternative option that meets the goal of better sleep: a custom-fit oral appliance. This personalized device gently positions the lower jaw forward, keeping the tongue away from the back of the throat. This helps keep the airway clear throughout the night, reducing snoring and improving sleep quality.
In other cases where the jaws or palate are unusually narrow, modifying the width of the arch or palate with orthodontic appliances can increase the size of the air passage over time. This improves airflow naturally during sleep. To explore either therapy for resolving sleep apnea, contact us to schedule a consultation with our Folsom dentist and start on the path toward restful sleep!
