3 Things You Should Know About Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If you have undiagnosed or untreated problems with obstructive sleep apnea, it can be hard for you to enjoy a proper night’s rest. This form of sleep apnea forces people out of the sleep cycle because they have to clear airway blockages created by their soft tissues. These frequent blockages cause a person to make loud, unpleasant snoring sounds as they sleep, and also robs them of the ability to complete their rest cycle each night. Fortunately, this is something that we can address at our Livonia, MI clinic! It may be possible to address your breathing troubles with a special oral appliance instead of a CPAP mask. While the CPAP mask can provide important support against sleep troubles, you may find it easier to fall asleep with the appliance in place.

1. This Problem Makes It Difficult For You To Breathe While You Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed when sleep difficulties are caused by airway blockages. If you have this problem, your body can be forced awake to clear obstructions in your airways caused by soft tissues in the throat. Even if you are not conscious during these waking periods, the interruption is enough to break your sleep cycle. Because your airways are frequently disrupted, you can make loud, rumbling snoring noises as you rest.

2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Affect More Than Just Your Rest

Obstructive sleep apnea can intrude on your ability to complete your rest cycle, which means you are not receiving the full health benefits you are supposed to enjoy while you sleep each night. You may find yourself dealing with symptoms of sleep loss on a regular basis – irritability, a lack of focus, and grogginess can start to be daily concerns. What you should know is that over time, this condition can also raise your blood pressure, and put you at greater risk for heart troubles.

3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Be Treatable Without A CPAP Machine

While the CPAP mask and CPAP machine are commonly used to fight issues with sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea may be treated in a different way. At our clinic, we can determine if you are a good candidate for treatment with a custom oral appliance. The appliance can fit comfortably in your mouth, and help you breathe without disruptions to your airways. The gentle change in your jaw’s position created by the appliance can put you back in a situation where you are truly resting each night.

Talk To Dr. Stewart About Your Issues With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

At our Livonia, MI clinic, we are prepared to help individuals who struggle with poor sleep. If you think obstructive sleep apnea might be the reason for your nighttime difficulties, we can talk to you about the appropriate treatment. You can make an appointment today by contacting James Stewart, DDS at (734) 425-4400.