Diagnosing Your Sleep Apnea With a Home Sleep Study

December 14, 2021

Treating an issue like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could improve how well you rest and help boost your heart health and immune system. But how do we diagnose this disorder? Instead of having you try to rest in a lab setting, we could provide a home sleep study! In today’s blog, your Olathe, KS, dentists talk about diagnosing and treating your disorder.

The Warning Signs You May Notice

First, let’s talk about symptoms you should watch for. If you snore on a nightly basis, wake in the night gasping for air or choking, or wake with dry mouth, this could be a sign. Other potential symptoms include daytime drowsiness, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, then let us know right away. With sleep apnea, soft tissues in your throat and the back of your mouth become too relaxed and collapse as you rest, blocking airflow. You stop breathing for brief periods until the brain wakes, which interrupts your sleep cycle even if you don’t remember it happening. For some, this happens hundreds of times a night!

The Home Sleep Study Process

The home sleep study means sending you home with a small device that sits at your bedside as you rest. The device takes detailed measurements of your sleep levels, your blood oxygen levels, and other factors that could indicate the presence of OSA. Since you’re resting in a comfortable environment that you’re familiar with, we obtain more accurate results. When we look at these results, we will see if you need treatment and what you benefit from. For some, we could offer a noninvasive solution with an oral appliance, which looks and fits like a mouthguard, but prevents soft tissues from collapsing as you rest at night.

Better Care From Home

You can also help with better home habits. For example, in the two hours before bed avoid large meals, vigorous exercise, or excessive amounts of alcohol. You also benefit from a dark, cool room that is free of screens. Try to rest on your side, not your back. Losing weight with diet and exercise if you’re obese could also help, as could addressing any sinus or allergy issues you have. If you have any questions about identifying and treating an issue like OSA, or if you want to start care before 2021 comes to an end, then contact our team today to learn more.

Do You Have Questions About Treating OSA?

We would like to help to rest easy and avoid the onset of issues like sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy a good night’s rest again. You can also call E-Care Dentistry in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. Find our office at 15010 S Black Bob Road Olathe, KS 66062. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.