If you have trouble resting at night, or feel exhausted during the day after what seems like a good night’s rest, then you may need treatment. These could be indicators of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which impacts millions of adults in the United States. In today’s blog, we’re answering questions about the disorder, as well as the treatment we offer our Pearland, TX, patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About OSA
Question: How does the disorder develop?
Answer: A number of factors could impact your risk, such as obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, deviated septum, sinus or allergy issues, neck circumference, or snoring. With the disorder, during the night patients stop breathing for brief periods as soft tissues in the throat and mouth collapse and block airflow. The patient resumes breathing once the brain takes note of the drop in oxygen and wakes him or her. For some, this happens hundreds of times each night, even through patients have little to no memory of the episodes. Patients end up sleep deprived and exhausted.
Question: Do my daily habits impact my risk?
Answer: Yes! Which means a few alterations to your bedtime routine could help minimize your risk. For example, try to avoid caffeine, large meals, vigorous exercise, or excessive amounts of alcohol in the two hours before bed. Sleep on your side instead of your back, and be sure your bedroom is dark and cool. Avoid looking at your smartphone while in bed and try to keep your bedroom screen-free. Also, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, which means going to bed and waking up at the same times every day.
Question: How do I know if I need treatment?
Answer: Symptoms vary, but often include daytime drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, snoring, and waking up in the night choking or gasping for air. Moodiness and difficulty concentrating at work or school are also common. If you experience these warning signs, then you may need a home sleep test. We send you home with a small device that measures your sleep, taking note of the warning signs of sleep apnea. We then obtain an accurate diagnosis from the comfort of your own home.
Question: How does a personalized sleep solution stop OSA?
Answer: If we find the presence of sleep apnea with our sleep test, then we may recommend a personalized sleep solution. Worn at night like a mouthguard, the device actually repositions the jaw to ensure your airways stay free and open throughout the night, helping you avoid apneic episodes.
Do You Need Treatment?
If you have trouble resting due to untreated sleep apnea, then talk to our team today about possible solutions. For more information on our custom-made oral appliances, please call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
