As you likely already know, when you talk about your snoring with loved ones, it tends to becomes a very comical topic. You may also get some glaring, cold stares from others (such as partners) who are interrupted nightly by the loud noise you produce! However, when you bring up sleep apnea and your sleep apnea treatment, you may be met with much more of a quizzical reaction. What is this sleep disorder? Is everyone supposed to forgive you for your loud snoring now (and why)? Our Livonia, MI team can help you sort through this part of your journey, so you can focus on getting more sleep!
Explain That It’s Not Your Fault (But Treatable)
When you gather the family around the table and suddenly declare that you have sleep apnea, you don’t want to panic anyone! However, it’s a good thing to talk about. To avoid accidentally making it sound quite dire, express that it’s treatable and that it has something to do with your snoring. This is a very easy way to introduce it!
Explain That Snoring Is Part Of It
Now, about that snoring: Explain to your family that even though you thought you were just experiencing the snoring that lots of people experience all of these years, it turns out you have sleep apnea and need sleep apnea treatment! Talk about the fact that your throat muscles don’t stay open. Instead, when you snore, they relax a little and touch each other (and make loud noises). Then, when they relax the rest of the way, you make really loud noises because you stop breathing and gasp for air.
Explain Your Treatment Very Simply
You might, perhaps, leave details about your sleeping position, soft oral tissues, and gravity out of your initial explanation of sleep apnea treatment. Remember that receiving an oral appliance to help you stop snoring and to treat sleep apnea is actually quite simple. Explain to your family that it will help you keep your throat open, so you breathe. Easy! In addition, you just might find that you garner a bit of sympathy!
Come On In For Effective And Comfortable Sleep Apnea Treatment
When you know it’s time to take care of your sleeping concerns, we are just the place to schedule a visit! James Stewart, DDS, and our team serve patients from Livonia, MI, as well as Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.
