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Sleep is vital to your health and overall wellbeing. That's why dentists offer solutions for sleep disorders, like sleep apnea. Here, our Edmonton dentists explain what sleep apnea is and how they can help with treatment options.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal breathing pauses (apneas) or shallow breathing during sleep. These apneas can happen because of a physical blockage to airflow, a lack of respiratory effort, or both.
What causes sleep apea?
When you fall into deep sleep, your tongue, soft palate and throat tissues relax. For those with sleep apnea, the tongue, soft palate and throat tissues over-relax, causing them to collapse into the back of the throat and block your airway. When the flow of oxygen stops, the brain forces you to wake up to consciously resume breathing. These mini-episodes can occur hundreds of times a night.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
There are a number of symptoms of sleep apnea including: trouble focusing, heavy snoring, headaches and migraines, fatigue, restless sleep, depression, irritability, and TMJ symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms you should undergo an assessment by a medical professional to receive a proper diagnosis.
How can sleep apnea be treated?
Once you've been diagnosed by a medical professional, your dentists can help you achieve a better night’s sleep with a variety of treatment options.
Oral appliances can help work by positioning your lower jaw further forward to pull your tongue away from the throat and the soft palate, to open your airway. Lifestyle solutions, such as weight loss, exercise and side-sleeping, can also help you achieve better breathing and more restful sleep. Your dentist can help you find the right treatment option for you.
Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea prevents you from falling into the restorative deep sleep you need to recharge your brain and body. This can contribute to many medical disorders, and reduce the quality and longevity of your life.
By treating sleep apnea, your dentist can help you improve and protect your overall health and wellbeing.