Studies show that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) not only impacts millions of people in the United States, but has been linked to serious problems with your immune and cardiovascular system, including an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Fortunately, our Spring, TX, residents can make a few changes to their daily routine to help reduce the risk of developing sleep apnea.
OSA Episodes
With sleep apnea, people actually stop breathing for brief periods throughout the night. Air passages become blocked because soft tissues in the throat and the back of the mouth become too relaxed during sleep and collapse. The brain registers a lack of oxygen and wakes the person. However, few people remember being woken several times a night. They essentially believe they rested the night before, but are exhausted and experiencing the symptoms of sleep deprivation. Over time, this leads to issues with depression, mood, concentration, and even a compromised immune system. In the long-run, sleep apnea may mean high blood pressure, heart disease, and a greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
Changes to Your Bedtime Routine
Let’s talk about what you can do to help reduce your risk. First, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, which means going to bed and waking up at the same times every day. You should avoid excessive alcohol consumption before bed, as well as caffeinated products, large meals, or vigorous exercise. Once you lay down, resist the temptation to look at your smartphone, as the blue light the device emits could disrupt your ability to rest. Try to sleep on your side instead of your back, as this limits the blockage of air passages. While simple, these changes can help you fall asleep faster, and enjoy a reduced risk of sleep apnea episodes.
Treatment Options
For some people, no amount of lifestyle changes will be enough to stop the onset of OSA. For them, we will perform an accurate diagnosis using a unique and convenient home sleep test. We then look at the results and prescribe treatment, which often includes a personalized sleep device. Worn a night and fitting like a mouthguard, the device repositions the jaw to keep airways open and prevent the collapse of soft issues. You then enjoy a night of deep, uninterrupted sleep. If you have any questions about improving your sleep habits, or treating OSA with a custom oral appliance, then please contact our team today.
Do You Need Help Sleeping?
With our personalized sleep solutions and accurate at-home sleep test, we can help you enjoy a better night’s rest. For more information on treating OSA, please call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
