Sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to stop for a short period of time while sleeping. It is a serious oral health condition that needs to have immediate attention and treatment. Usually, people with sleep apnea do not get enough oxygen; hence they often gasp (while sleeping) and wake up.
Sleep apnea can produce serious health complications such as poor immune system, memory loss, increased risk of heart failure, and so on. However, if you opt for certain sleep apnea treatments like medications, surgery, or breathing devices, you can treat the problem easily.
In this article, we are uncovering the ideas for your better sleep, even with sleep apnea.
Use a humidifier
Dry air usually irritates the respiratory system. Using a humidifier can open your airways as they add moisture to the air. It also decreases congestion and encourages clearer breathing. Especially while having sleep apnea, humidifiers can aid in better sleep.
Moreover, you can also add essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender. The oils offer inflammatory and soothing benefits.
When you use humidifiers, be sure to clean them regularly to prevent harbor molds and bacteria.
Use oral appliances
Sometimes using oral appliances, you can reposition your jaw or tongue that keeps your airway open while you are sleeping. These appliances range from affordable, over-the-counter (OTC) options. Also, your dentist can create custom-fit devices for your comfort.
But, when you want to use appliances, taking advice or a recommendation from a dentist wouldn’t hurt.
In fact, your doctor can suggest the best oral appliances to sleep better when having sleep apnea.
Alter sleeping posture
Altering a sleeping position is one of the quick ways to have better sleep while one experiences sleep apnea. Instead of sleeping on the back, try a side-lying position. Plus, take support of pillows for more comfort or to elevate the head. This may result in giving you better sleep.
Besides, there are positioners available in the market that hold a person from sleeping on their back. However, when using a readily available positioner, follow the guidelines strictly.
Maintain healthy lifestyle
The most common recommendation from experts for sleep apnea is to lose weight. Obesity in the upper body can increase the risk of airway obstacles and narrow nasal passages.
In addition to lifestyle changes that encourage weight loss, you should also look for other healthy habits. Other health settings could help a person reduce sleep apnea symptoms. For instance, smoking can lead to swelling in the upper airways, resulting in sleep apnea or making it worse, so quit smoking. Likewise, avoid drinking alcohol as it relaxes the throat muscles and increases the likelihood of snoring.
You can also take prescribed over-the-counter allergy medicines or nasal decongestants to increase airflow. It also minimizes swelling in the nasal passages.
These lifestyle practices will gradually contribute to reducing the number of apnea episodes and the associated symptoms in some people with sleep apnea.
Surgical treatment
Surgical procedures may be required for some people with obstructive sleep apnea. Most of the surgical treatments for sleep apnea are outpatient procedures. When there is severe sleep apnea and no other alternative treatment works, your doctor recommends surgery to prevent the sleep apnea from becoming worse or causing other health issues. Once it is treated surgically, you can enjoy sleep how you like.
Overall, the ideas mentioned above may work to get better sleep, having sleep apnea. But, sometimes, it is hard to get ample sleep with such oral health issues. In this case, you should consult your dentist and follow her instructions.
If you are looking for sleep apnea treatment in Roswell, GA, we can help!
TruCare Dentistry offers personalized treatment to treat sleep apnea that promotes better sleep and allows you to get rid of such problems quickly. Our professionals have given treatment for sleep apnea for many people, contributing to easy breathing and better sleep for them.
Apart from sleep apnea treatment, we provide dental care for all types of oral issues to people of all ages. Contact us now to get the best possible oral care treatment for you or your loved ones!