A number of factors can lead to the onset of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), many of them related to a person’s health and genetics. However, sometimes poor sleep habits make the development of a sleep disorder more likely. In today’s blog, your Pearland, TX, dentists will discuss ways of improving your sleep habits and reducing your risk of suffering from OSA.
Getting Ready for Bed
The two to four hours before bed could really impact how well you sleep. For example, vigorous exercise right before bed, as well as large meals and excessive alcohol consumption, could prevent you from obtaining the rest you need. While alcohol may make you feel sleepy, you may not be able to reach the REM stage of sleep, and may wake frequently or unusually early. A regular sleep routine also helps, which means going to bed and waking up at the same times every day, even on weekends and holidays. You begin to train your body and have an easier time going to bed and waking up when you need to.
Your Sleeping Habits
As you sleep, try to sleep on your side instead of your back. Doing so helps keep airways open and reduces the risk of sleep apnea episodes. You should also keep your bedroom dark and cool. Try to keep your room free of TVs and computers. Remember that looking at a smartphone while in bed could have a negative impact on your ability to rest. The blue emitted by the device could appear like daylight to the brain, keeping you awake. You can also make positive changes in other aspects of your life. Often, obesity is a factor in the onset of OSA and other sleep disorders. Losing weight through diet and exercise could help you rest without difficulty.
Signs You Need to See Your Dentist
For some, the actions we discuss above will be enough to improve sleep. But for others, stopping sleep apnea means seeing your dentist. We can offer a personalized sleep solution, a special device that looks and fits like a mouthguard. When worn at night, the device helps keep airway open to ensure uninterrupted breathing throughout the night. Symptoms you should alert your dentist about include waking up gasping for air or choking, chronic snoring, daytime headaches and drowsiness, dry mouth in the mornings, and moodiness. If you have any questions about identifying and treating sleep apnea, then please contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy better rest and a better quality of life!
We’re Ready to Treat Your OSA
We want to help our patients enjoy better health. To learn more about identifying and treating sleep disorders, please call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
