We often find that when people struggle to go to bed at night, their daily habits are inadvertently impacting their ability to rest. Eventually, these issues could lead to an increased risk of sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Your Spring, TX, dentists will explain how to improve your sleep habits, and when you should see us for treatment.
Changing Your Bedtime Routine for the Better
How we sleep could increase, or decrease, the risk of severe snoring or the onset of sleep apnea. For better rest, we suggest sleeping on your side instead of your back. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, as a routine schedule could help you fall asleep easier. In the two hours before bed avoid large meals, vigorous exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, or caffeine products. Don’t look at a smartphone in bed, as the blue light the device emits looks like sunlight to your brain, and keep your bedroom dark, cool, and completely screen-free. With a few simple changes, you can often improve your ability to rest at night.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring occurs when our airways become partially blocked, while sleep apnea means soft tissue completely block airflow as we sleep. People literally stop breathing for brief periods until woken by the brain, and this cycle repeats hundreds of times a night even though few ever remember. If changes to your bedtime routine doesn’t improve your ability to rest, and you continue to experience snoring, dry mouth, headaches, daytime exhaustion, or periods of waking suddenly gasping for air or choking, then you need treatment. Otherwise, untreated sleep disorders could be linked to strained immune and cardiovascular systems, leading to serious complications for your overall health and quality of life.
When to See Our Team
If you begin to experience the warning signs we discussed above, as well as increased moodiness, daytime drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating, then let us know. With a home sleep test, we can diagnose you from the comfort of your own home, as a small device takes note of common warning signs and symptoms. We then prescribe a custom oral appliance to help ensure open airways and better rest. If you have any questions then please contact our team today to learn more. We would love to help you start 2020 with solutions for your sleep apnea and snoring!
Do You Need Treatment?
If you have trouble going to sleep at night, or if you wake up suddenly struggling to breathe, then you may need to see us. To learn more about our home sleep tests and custom solutions, then call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
