We all snore every now and then, that’s normal. However, loud persistent snoring that happens every night? His could mean you may have a sleep disorder, and that you should see your Spring, TX, dentists for a diagnosis. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could lead to trouble for your overall oral health, and your ability to get a good night’s rest!
Snoring and OSA
We snore when as we rest and our air passages become partially blocked by soft tissues. As air is forced through, this vibrates these tissues to create a loud noise. Now, a sleep apnea episode happens when these same soft tissues become too relaxed as we rest and collapse, completely blocking airflow. The patient literally stops breathing for a moment until the brain wakes him or her. Despite having little to no memory of these episodes, they can happen hundreds of times a night. You don’t reach the REM stage of sleep, and despite thinking you slept the night before, you remain exhausted.
When to Seek Treatment
If you snore on a regular basis, this could mean you need treatment. Other possible warning signs include headaches, daytime drowsiness, exhaustion, moodiness, and trouble concentrating on tasks at work or school. You may wake in the morning with dry mouth or waking suddenly in the night choking or gasping for air. Don’t ignore these warning signs, talk to your dentists today. After all, untreated OSA has been linked to a weakened immune system and a strained cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of illness, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.
Identifying the Cause of Your Snoring and Sleep Apnea
To begin, we will send you home with a sleep test, a small device that will record any apneic episodes, as well as breathing exertion and blood-oxygen levels. We examine the results to identify the presence of OSA. Treatment will often involve a custom-made oral appliance, which is worn at night as you sleep. The device will fit like a mouthguard and help reposition the jaw to prevent the collapse of soft tissues, ensuring open air passages so you breathe easier and don’t snore or suffer from multiple apneic episodes. We can also discuss lifestyle changes and how a few simple adjustments to your regular sleeping habits could reduce the risk of OSA. If you have any questions about treating sleep problems, or if you’re ready to talk to our team about possible solutions, then contact our team today.
Ready to Stop Snoring
We would love to work with you and help you enjoy a better night’s rest. To learn more about our sleep test and treatment options, call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
