Have you noticed that no matter how much sleep you get, you still feel lethargic throughout the day? Do you also find it hard to concentrate and focus? If you have these symptoms, your dentist says that you may be suffering from sleep apnea of Westamptom and need to immediately seek help. As you continue reading, you’ll learn why this condition is nothing to snooze on and the ways available to address it.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where you wake up throughout the night, constantly breaking your sleep pattern, leaving you restless the next day. This happens because the muscles in your throat have become flaccid, allowing your airway to close while you sleep.

Thankfully, your body has a built-in safety mechanism to protect you when there’s a threat such as a loss of oxygen, where your brain sends a stress signal through your nervous system that alerts you to wake up. So it’s actually a plus that your sleep is being disturbed. Now, the issue that is causing the collapse of your airway just needs to be addressed.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Along with the symptoms mentioned above, there are other warning signs of sleep apnea, including:

• Snoring
• Depression
• Sexual dysfunction
• Memory loss

How to Treat Sleep Apnea

One of the common ways to treat sleep apnea is with a CPAP machine, which is a mask with a hose attachment, that supplies you with a steady stream of air while you sleep. The problem with this method, though, is that many people have an issue with its cumbersome structure and the noise that it makes while running.

An alternative is an oral appliance, which offers more convenience. It brings the jaw forward, which forces your throat muscles to remain tense, keeping your airway open for oxygen to flow.

Other Ways to Get Better Sleep

There are some other ways that you can enhance your sleep:

• Create a Schedule – Establishing a set time to go to bed and wake up each day will help program your body to have a better night’s sleep.
• Bedtime Routine – Developing a bedtime routine such as soaking in the bathtub or reading, helps to prepare your brain to go into a sleep mode.
• Environment – It also helps to create an environment that is conducive to you having great rest. It’s suggested that you make sure that all electronic devices are powered off and the room is dark.
• Comfort – You will definitely be able to rest better if your mattress provides you with comfort.
• Fasting – It’s important to have a mini fast of at least two to three hours before going to sleep, so that your body is not having to work to digest food while it’s supposed to be resting.
• Healthy Lifestyle – Abstaining from smoking and drinking alcohol will have definite effects on delivering a great night’s sleep.

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, there is help for you, so it’s important that you not ignore it. It could be life-threatening because you are twice as likely to die in your sleep, but it’s definitely not a death sentence.

By contacting your dentist for sleep apnea treatment of Westampton, you can get the care that you need to regain the value that a restful night has to offer you, and get back to leading a healthy and productive life.

About the Author

Dr. Bill Greenberg received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Boston University and then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Tufts University. With specialized training in oral appliances and sleep apnea, he has four decades of experience in dentistry. Dr. Greenberg practices at Mt. Holly Family Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.