Snoring, Fatigue, and Drowsiness Got You Down? It Could be Sleep Apnea!

Most of us go through our days feeling sleepy and disoriented. That can be due to any number of things. Maybe we are not sleeping enough, sleeping too much, eating the wrong foods before bed, not starting our metabolic systems in the right ways in the morning, or maybe sleep apnea could be to blame.

What are some of the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a fairly common condition that many times goes undiagnosed because it can mask itself as any number of other sleep disorders. If not treated the effects of sleep apnea can very easily make daily functioning impossible.

If you are experiencing symptoms of snoring, drowsiness, irritability, fatigue, forgetfulness, falling asleep at inappropriate times, or most importantly suddenly waking up while choking, coughing, or gasping, then please do no hesitate to schedule an appointment at Smiles at Fairfax Corner to treat your possible and probable sleep apnea.

Why do some people experience sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is directly related to oral structures and jaw tension, which is why Smiles at Fairfax corner can help you get your waking life back. Sleep apnea can occur oral structures or the jaw relaxes. This can result in the blockage of airway. This also produces snoring.

Sleep apnea, however, results when there is a completely blocked airway—meaning, you are not breathing when you sleep. For the most part, you only stop breathing for very short bursts of time, but this happens repeatedly and constantly throughout the night. Basically, if you suffer from sleep apnea then you are getting less oxygen then you need every single night.

Obviously, your body cannot function without enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen produces the constant drowsiness and decrease in waking functions and capability.

Is sleep apnea easily treatable?

Once you come in to Smiles at Fairfax Corner, we can fit you for an oral appliance, called a mandible-repositioning appliance. This device moves your jaw forward while you sleep, so that you can keep you air passages open and allow oxygen to the brain and the rest of your body.

These dental appliances are custom-made to every patient, to ensure complete comfort. There is no point to having a device that is supposed to help you sleep, if it is so uncomfortable that you cannot sleep. This appliance is incredibly comfortable and has qualities of a mouth guard so that discomfort will not cause lack of sleep. This method of treating sleep apnea is preferred, compared to the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure treatment option (often referred to as CPAP).

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure option (CPAP) is significantly more intrusive and uncomfortable while sleeping. Here, at Smile at Fairfax Corner, we want to give you the most restful sleep possible so that you can enjoy your waking day more.

How can I get better sleep?

In addition to dental appliances, there are other things you can do to increase the efficiency of your sleeping. We encourage you to come in for a consultation to discuss with a dental professional the benefits of a dental appliance, as well as lifestyle changes that increase the efficiency of your breathing while asleep.

Lifestyle changes help your body operate at full functionality, therefore making the dental appliance the most effective. Some lifestyle changes include, sleeping on your side to promote easy air flow, quitting or at least a reduction in smoking, not drinking four hours before you plan to sleep, and losing weight if you are weight.

All of these small changes can effect your sleeping, regardless of conditions like sleep apnea. By adopting these lifestyle changes you are ensured prime functionality for your dental appliance.

Don’t lose sleep: Contact us today!

Many factors could be disturbing your sleep and cause you to lose out on your waking day. We want to make sure you are taking full advantage of your waking hours. Treating your sleep apnea will not only improve your productivity and energy, but it will give you back hours of your day that you were losing to sleep apnea. Make an appointment today, to discuss with one our dental professionals, the lifestyle and dental changes you can make to treat your sleep apnea!