What is sleep apnea?

Do you have a hard time sleeping? Not getting a restful sleep at night? You may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common condition where a person’s breathing starts and stops multiple times a night. Not only does this sleep condition cause a person to be tired, but it can also lead to other health problems, like heart disease. CinciSmiles, your Milford, Ohio, area sleep dentist, can help you take control of your sleep apnea and get a better night’s rest.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

There are a few common symptoms of this sleep condition. They include snoring, dry mouth, insomnia, and gasping for breath while sleeping. As many as a quarter of men suffer from sleep apnea, while about 10% of women suffer from sleep apnea.

If you are looking to help deter sleep apnea, dentists recommend you stay away from alcohol because it can relax your airway. Those who are overweight can also suffer from this sleep condition, so shedding a few pounds could not only lead to a healthier lifestyle but some easier breathing while you sleep.

If you are experiencing any sleep apnea symptoms, contact CinciSmiles to schedule a sleep apnea consultation today. Now, let’s take a look at five common habits that could be making your sleep condition worse.

1. Sleeping on Your Back

When you sleep, the soft tissues in your mouth, like the tonsils, get floppy because they are relaxed. These relaxed tissues can block your airway, causing breathing trouble while you sleep. Also, while sleeping, your tongue can relax and slide to the back of your throat, causing your airway to be blocked. One of the ways you can help your sleep condition is by sleeping on your side so your airway isn’t blocked. You may find that using a body pillow can help keep you on your side to reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

2. Drinking Alcohol Before Bed

Alcohol is classified as a depressant and can make you feel more relaxed. However, if you are drinking alcohol before you head to bed, you might find you have trouble breathing. This is because your throat muscles can relax and close the airway, which can lead to an increase of snoring—one of the symptoms of sleep apnea (see point #5). If you do want to enjoy an adult beverage, make sure you finish your last drink a few hours before heading to bed.

3. Skipping Dental or Medical Checkups

Doctors and dentists will always recommend routine medical checkups and preventive care. This is because during preventive checkups dentists can find small issues before they become major medical issues. During regular checkups, your dentist will check for a misaligned jaw and other oral health problems that can contribute to a blocked airway and sleep apnea. If you find you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, check in with the team at CinciSmiles, who can evaluate you for this sleep condition, and even set up a screening.

4. Carrying Extra Weight Around Your Neck and Chin

Carrying extra pounds can be bad for your health, and extra weight around your neck and chin can narrow your airway, which can lead to sleep apnea. If you find you have trouble breathing at night when you lay down, talk with your healthcare provider about healthy routines, including diet and exercise, to help reduce your weight.

5. Ignoring Your Snoring

Snoring is one of the leading symptoms of this sleep condition, so if you are snoring, don’t ignore it. Loud and frequent snoring could mean you are suffering from sleep apnea, and that shouldn’t be ignored. Visit the team at CinciSmiles for a dental evaluation, where we can check to see if you have conditions that could cause this sleep condition. The sooner you address the snoring caused by sleep apnea, the sooner you can be on your way to a more peaceful and restful night.

Visit CinciSmiles for a dental evaluation.

If you have any of the symptoms of this sleep condition, especially snoring, restlessness, and tiredness, you should stop by our Milford, Ohio, office for a full dental evaluation. You may have a misaligned jaw that is causing your sleep apnea, or another oral health issue; and if that is the case, our team can help you out.
Believe it or not, making the few small changes recommended above, like sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol before bed, and losing weight, can help you gain a restful night of sleep.

Give us a call today to schedule a sleep apnea consultation, and start your journey to a good night’s rest.