How to Stop Sleep Apnea and Improve Your Health
Sleep apnea is a common disorder affecting millions of people in the U.S. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular problems, daytime fatigue and decreased cognitive function. One practical and noninvasive way to stop sleep apnea and improve your health is with a custom oral appliance. Investing in sleep apnea solutions can help restore restful and rejuvenating sleep while enhancing overall well-being.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often caused by the relaxation of throat muscles that obstruct the airway. This disruption in breathing can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, which triggers the brain to wake you up to resume normal breathing briefly. These interruptions, though brief and often unnoticed, can severely impact the quality of your sleep.
Are Oral Appliances Effective for Sleep Apnea?
Custom oral appliances or mandibular devices are specialized mouthguards that alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. These devices work by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open during sleep. This repositioning prevents the soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing and obstructing airflow. They offer an effective way to treat sleep apnea.
Benefits of Using an Obstructive Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
Patients find many advantages to using a custom oral appliance to treat sleep apnea symptoms.
- Personalized Fit – Unlike over-the-counter devices, your dentist can create a custom device to fit your unique mouth and bite. A custom design ensures a comfortable and secure fit tailored to your mouth’s dimensions.
- Noninvasive – Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines also work to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. However, the devices require patients to wear a mask during sleep and often make a loud noise while they run. An oral appliance is discreet and portable. Oral appliances are an alternative for patients who find the CPAP machine uncomfortable or cumbersome.
- Enhanced Sleep Quality – Wearing an oral appliance during sleep helps reduce the frequency of sleep disruptions caused by breathing pauses. Patients can achieve more restful sleep, which leads to increased energy levels and improved daytime alertness.
- Better Overall Health – Addressing sleep apnea helps improve overall health. With the severe health risks associated with sleep apnea, patients need a solution that works for them. A custom oral appliance can reduce health risks and improve quality of life.
Solutions for Improved Sleep
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, positional therapy and a custom oral appliance. You do not have to suffer from sleep apnea symptoms. Find the care you need to get a better night’s sleep.
