If you suffer from chronic snoring and feel tired during the day, this could often be a warning sign of sleep apnea. Without treatment, you not only feel exhausted, but this could impact your overall health! In today’s blog, Dr. Stewart, D.D.S., P.C. in Livonia, MI talks about how sleep apnea complicates your overall health.
The Causes of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea could be due to issues such as obesity, large necks circumference, or issues with the growth and development of soft tissues and oral structures. The causes vary, but the disorder means that while you sleep, soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat become too relaxed and then collapse, which cuts off airflow. You stop breathing until the brain wakes you after a few seconds, which interrupts your REM sleep even if you don’t recall this happening. Warning signs include snoring, cessation of breathing or gasping for air at night, daytime tiredness, irritability, and issues with concentration or memory. Don’t ignore these systems, talk to our team about a diagnosis.
The Impact on Your Overall Health
Without treatment, this could lead to concerns with your short-term memory, and you could suffer from exhaustion during the day. This could strain your immune system too, leaving you vulnerable to more frequent illness. But the strain on your cardiovascular system is the most severe complication, as this could lead to irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. But we can help!
Assessments and Home Sleep Studies
Our team can conduct an assessment, asking you about possible risk factors and symptoms. We then follow this with a home sleep study, which allows you to sleep comfortably in your own bed while a small device monitors you. We then interpret the results and see if you need sleep apnea help. If so, we can offer help with a CPAP alternative!
Treatment with a Custom Oral Appliance
Instead of a mask over the nose and mouth and a loud machine that pumps air to ensure you breathe, we could create a small and comfortable oral appliance that you wear like a mouthguard at knight. This helps reposition your jaw to ensure you can breathe without interruption and feel more rested and relaxed each day. The appliance is easy to use and clean, and it can travel with you during the summer! If you have questions about sleep treatment, then contact our team today to learn more.
Dr. James R. Stewart, D.D.S., P.C. Wants to Improve Your Health
We want to help diagnose and treat sleep issues and protect your smile. To find out more about treating snoring and sleep apnea, call Dr. Stewart, D.D.S., P.C. in Livonia, MI at 734-425-4400.
