Anyone who snores should be evaluated for sleep apnea, a condition that can have serious health implications.
There are few things better than a good night’s sleep, but the unfortunate reality is that many people wake up every morning feeling tired because of snoring. If you snore at night or sleep next to someone who does, you will know that many hours of sleep can be lost as a result of the issue. But snoring is more than an inconvenience — the issue is often a sign of sleep apnea, a serious condition that should not be ignored. In fact, anyone who snores should be evaluated for sleep apnea. Read on to find out more about the condition and what you can do to prevent serious health problems…
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when an obstruction or a signal from the brain prevents the body from taking in air during sleep. It causes the body to experience brief periods in which there is a lack of oxygen. In the case of sleep apnea, these periods of oxygen shortage last for 10 seconds or more. During these periods, the blood oxygen levels drop considerably. The organs, muscles, and tissues are deprived of the oxygen-rich blood they need. In turn, it can lead to a range of other health issues and can also exacerbate problems that already exist. Research suggests that intermittent or disrupted sleep could even promote cancer progression.
What should you do if you snore?
If you are a chronic snorer, it is advisable that you see a practitioner who can evaluate you for sleep apnea. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your practitioner will help to determine the cause of the condition and recommend a treatment plan that is most appropriate for you.
If you have sleep apnea, your dentist may be able to help. The use of custom-made jaw appliances helps to move the lower jaw slightly forward, which creates an opening in the airway. This small movement often helps to get rid of the obstruction in the airway and can be an effective solution to your problem. Your dentist will let you know if this is a suitable option for you, depending on your particular symptoms, as well as the possible causes of your condition.
Why is it important to address sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea often goes undetected and untreated, but if you suspect that you could be suffering from the condition, it is of the utmost importance to seek professional help as soon as you can. Good-quality, reparative sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall wellness. Studies also suggest that sleep apnea can contribute to whole body inflammation, one of the main causes of serious health issues, including heart attack and stroke.
In order to feel your best and enjoy optimal health, you must address any possible signs of sleep apnea and take a holistic approach to your wellness.
How can we help?
At Elite Dental of Staten Island, we can help you sleep better at night and reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. If you snore, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can determine the cause of the issue. We can then formulate a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If you would like to find out more about the approach that we take to sleep apnea and snoring, please have a look here.
We also offer a comprehensive range of other services, from restorative and cosmetic treatments to general procedures designed to maintain oral health. To find out about the range of services we offer at Elite Dental of Staten Island, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, please give us a call at (718) 370 1200 or get in touch with us here.