The consequences of sleep apnea can be observed in several ways. In addition to experiencing loud snoring and difficult breathing at night, a person affected by this condition can struggle with fatigue, a lack of focus or irritability, difficulty staying awake during the day, and other problems we often associate with sleep deprivation. They can also find themselves vulnerable to undesirable physical changes, such as problems with high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. What you should know is that in addition to looking out for signs of active sleep apnea, you can identify issues that make you vulnerable to difficulties. At our Livonia/Detroit, MI area dentist’s office, we are ready to provide guidance and in-office support so that this problem does not turn into a serious health issue for you.
What Makes A Person More Likely To Experience Sleep Apnea?
There are certain risk factors that you should know about if you are trying to determine your vulnerability to sleep apnea. If any of the following fit you and your life, you should treat the early warnings of sleep apnea or heightened sleep apnea risk seriously:
- Being overweight
- A tendency to drink alcohol, particularly later in the evenings
- A family history of sleep apnea
- A deviated septum
- A larger neck
- A tendency to snore during the night
The good news is that when you know what to look out for, and you identify certain risk factors, you can better protect yourself!
Making Changes In Your Daily Life To Enjoy Better Rest
If you make adjustments to your daily life that lower your sleep apnea risk, you can prevent the onset of potentially serious problems with your rest. Changing your diet and exercise habits to lower your weight and sleep more peacefully can help. Reducing your alcohol intake can also be important. Trouble with a deviated septum should also be treated. Even as you work on these lifestyle changes, it can be beneficial to meet with a professional who can make sure that you are breathing soundly and enjoying the full benefits of rest during the night.
Using Oral Appliance Therapy To Fight Sleep Apnea
Through the use of a custom oral appliance, you can fix your breathing difficulties and put an end to sleep apnea. Our practice can provide a custom guard that will help you keep your airways clear as you rest. We can also discuss the benefits of CPAP machines for treatment, which can help when a patient’s issues are not with obstructive sleep apnea.
Talk To Your Livonia/Detroit, MI Area Dentist About Your Sleep Apnea Risk
The sooner you recognize that you have risk factors for sleep apnea, or symptoms of an active problem, the sooner you can seek the right treatment. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you, contact your Livonia, MI, dentist, Dr. Stewart, by calling (734) 425-4400.
