Do you often feel exhausted during the day, and suffer from chronic snoring too? If so, this could be related to a serious concern known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In order to curb your snoring and provide relief from sleep apnea symptoms, you may need treatment. Fortunately, your Olathe, KS, dentists can assess your risk with a simple and convenient home sleep study.
The Warning Signs and Causes of OSA
OSA means that as you sleep, the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat become very relaxed, and then collapse. This collapse cuts off air passages so the person stops breathing completely. The brain registers a sudden drop in oxygen and wakes the person. While people rarely remember waking up, this interrupts the sleep cycle enough to leave them feeling tired and exhausted the next day, with trouble staying awake and focused on tasks. Other symptoms include persistent snoring, dry mouth, irritability, and depression.
The Home Sleep Study
If you experience one or more of the symptoms we discussed above, then contact our team. To see if you need treatment, we will send you home with a small device that is worn as you sleep. The device will the register the soundness of sleep, cessation of breathing, and blood-oxygen levels. We then examine the results and determine whether you need treatment. If you do, then we will likely prescribe an oral appliance. Worn like a mouthguard as you sleep, the device removes the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues. You breathe without interruption and enjoy a better night’s rest. For many people, this a preferable alternative to the CPAP machine.
Other Changes to Your Sleep Issues
You could also make other changes to your sleeping habits, which could help you manage your OSA and enjoy a better night’s rest. These include going to bed and waking up at the same times every day, maintaining a good routine. In the two to four hours prior to bed, try to avoid large, meals, alcohol, vigorous exercise, and caffeinated products. Rest on your side instead of your back, and also try to keep your bedroom dark, cool, and free of screens, including TVs, computers, and smartphones. If you have any questions about treating sleep issues or diagnosing them with a home sleep test, then contact our team today.
Ready for OSA Treatment?
Our team wants to offer solutions to help you rest easier and avoid long-term complications. For more information on our approach to preventive and general dentistry, or to schedule a dental consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.