You wake up. You feel great. You are refreshed and ready for whatever you have planned for the day ahead. A good night’s sleep can do wonders for you.
Great sleep may just seem like a dream if you or someone you love has untreated sleep apnea. It doesn’t have to be that way. You can do something about obstructive sleep apnea by visiting McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry in Charlotte, NC. Call 704-766-8662 today to schedule a consultation. Discover how you could get the rest you need.
Know What’s Happening
Millions of Americans have sleep apnea, and it affects millions more who care about them. Unfortunately, a majority of people who have this sleep disorder have never been diagnosed, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of this sleep disorder. People who have OSA stop breathing when they fall asleep because their airways become closed off. These stoppages can happen hundreds of times every night, depending on the severity of your condition.
These stoppages affect you in a few ways. First, your body wants to continue breathing. When you stop, your brain will wake you up. This is often brief (so brief that you don’t remember it), but it does prevent you from reaching the stages of deep sleep. That can lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue.
The breathing stoppages also increase the stress on your body. People who have OSA are more likely to develop high blood pressure and to experience cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
One of the most common symptoms of OSA is loud snoring. As a result, people who share a bed, a room, or even a hallway with you may find it difficult to sleep as well. In other words, the effects of untreated OSA go beyond the person with the sleep disorder.
Let Yourself Breathe Easier
Treating OSA means finding a way to keep your airway open while you are asleep. This allows you to remain asleep longer, so you can enjoy the benefits of deep sleep. So, how can you do this?
Many times, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and similar machines are the first recommendation. To use this, you wear a mask, which is attached to the machine. This pushes air into your airway to keep it from closing. It may not surprise you that many people find this difficult to use. Some find the mask irritating. Others are bothered by the feel of the air pressure, and some can’t sleep because of the sound of their machine.
We are happy to offer an alternative. Oral appliances have been approved to treat OSA by the FDA. These work by holding your jaw in a particular position that keeps your airway from closing. You don’t have to wear a mask or need any electricity with this option.
This also reduces your snoring, so your loved ones can rest easier, too.
Take Control Of Your Sleep
This holiday season, do something for yourself. Schedule a visit at our office to find out about our sleep apnea treatment. Call 704-766-8662 or fill out our online form to plan your visit to McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry in Charlotte, NC