Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could lead to serious problems, not just for your ability to sleep, but for your overall health as well. Treatment helps prevent strain to your immune and cardiovascular systems, and ensures you feel more rested during the day. In today’s blog, your Pearland, TX, dentists will look at how we diagnose this problem with a home sleep test.
How Do I Know If I Need A Diagnosis?
Watch for changes in your sleep. Do you suddenly find yourself waking up gasping for air or choking? Do you feel exhausted the next day despite sleeping? Other common OSA indicators include dry mouth in the mornings, moodiness, difficulty concentrating, and chronic snoring. If you experience one or more of these common warning signs, then please schedule a visit so we can discuss your case further. If needed, we can perform a thorough and precise diagnosis using our unique home sleep test.
The Home Sleep Test
The test involves taking a small device home with you, which will sit at your bedside. You rest comfortably in your own bed, going to sleep on your own schedule. At night, the device will register your blood-oxygen levels, breathing exertion, and record any apneic episodes. When you bring the device back to us, we can carefully analyze the results and see if you need treatment. No need for sleep clinics or trying to rest in a lab scenario, and we obtain results with greater accuracy.
What Happens Next?
For some, we will suggest changes to their sleep routine. For example, rest on your side, not your back, and maintain a schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same times each day. Be sure to avoid alcohol, vigorous exercise, or large meals in the two hours before bed. Also, keep your bedroom dark, cool, and free of screens, such as TV, computer, or smartphone.
Our team could also recommend an oral appliance. Unlike a CPAP machine, this is a quiet and convenient solution. We take detailed impressions of your smile and create an appliance that fits comfortably like a mouthguard. The device repositions the jaw to ensure airways remain open and you avoid apneic episodes as you rest. You then begin to sleep easier, without interruption, and feel more rested and alert during the day. If you have any questions about our home sleep test or if you suffer from chronic snoring or daytime exhaustion, then contact our team today.
Ready for a Diagnosis?
If you experience the common warning signs of OSA, then talk to our team about possible solutions. To learn more about our sleep tests and oral appliances, then call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
