Do you snore at night? Maybe you have a partner or family member who hears your snoring and always lets you know about it. While many people snore, this symptom can be a sign of a more serious problem—sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a widespread health issue that impacts sleep and can have long-term side effects. At Broadway Dental of Pearland, we provide sleep apnea treatment to improve your sleep and your health.
Find out more about sleep apnea, including common risk factors.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is common throughout the world. It’s estimated that around five to ten percent of people have sleep apnea.
This condition stops your breathing while you’re asleep. This occurs because your airway is blocked or because the brain isn’t controlling your breathing correctly. When your airway is blocked during sleep, it’s called obstructive sleep apnea and is the most common type.
When you stop breathing, the lack of oxygen causes you to wake up briefly to start breathing again. This process continues throughout the night and interrupts your sleep.
Sleep apnea makes it nearly impossible to get a restful night’s sleep and can have many long-term effects, including heart damage and even death in rare cases.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea?
If you have certain risk factors, you’re more likely to have sleep apnea. That is why it’s important to know about these risk factors so you can be proactive. These include:
- Having Extra Weight, Especially Around Your Neck
- A Family History of Sleep Apnea
- Nasal Congestion From Allergies or Other Conditions
- Using Alcohol
- Having Type 2 Diabetes or High Blood Pressure
Males are also more likely to experience sleep apnea. If you have any of these risk factors and also snore, it’s a wise idea to visit our office for diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Snoring is the most common and noticeable symptom of sleep apnea for many people, but you’ll also want to be aware of these other symptoms, such as:
- Waking Up Gasping for Breath
- Dry Mouth in the Morning
- Headaches When You Wake Up
- Issues Staying Asleep
- Excessive Tiredness During the Day
- Issues Paying Attention While You’re Awake
- Feeling Irritable
These symptoms can impact your quality of life, making it more difficult to do your job, hobbies, family responsibilities, and more. And, if left untreated, sleep apnea can have worsening health effects. Even just a lack of quality sleep can increase the risk of accidents and impact your body and mental health in many ways. While sleep apnea can be common, it is also preventable!
Preventing Sleep Apnea
Early intervention and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the impact of sleep apnea and even prevent its onset in some cases. By making mindful choices and addressing risk factors proactively, you can take steps toward better sleep and overall health.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Certain habits and health changes can help prevent or manage sleep apnea. If you’re at risk or already experiencing symptoms, consider these adjustments:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can put pressure on your airway and increase the risk of obstruction. Adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise routine can help reduce this risk.
- Change Sleep Positions: Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues to block your airway. Side sleeping is a simple yet effective way to improve airflow.
- Limit Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax the muscles in your throat, increasing the likelihood of airway blockages. Reducing consumption, especially before bedtime, can help.
- Treat Nasal Congestion: Chronic congestion can worsen breathing issues during sleep. Using a saline spray, decongestant, or treating allergies can alleviate symptoms and improve airflow.
- Develop Healthy Sleep Habits: Going to bed and waking up at consistent times helps regulate your sleep cycle, improving overall sleep quality.
Early Intervention for Better Outcomes
If you notice symptoms of sleep apnea—such as snoring, daytime fatigue, or waking up gasping for air—seeking early intervention is crucial. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent long-term complications like heart disease or high blood pressure. Early treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle Counseling: A professional can guide you in implementing effective changes tailored to your needs.
- Screening and Diagnosis: If symptoms persist, a sleep study or evaluation can confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis and identify its severity.
- Treatment Options: Depending on your diagnosis, you may benefit from CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or other targeted treatments designed to improve airflow and reduce symptoms.
Taking steps to prevent or treat sleep apnea now can make a significant difference in your health and quality of life.
Request a Consultation Today!
Wondering about sleep apnea and looking to relieve symptoms like snoring? It’s easy to get started with a consultation at Broadway Dental of Pearland. You deserve a restful night’s sleep and to feel more energy.
Call our office today to set up a consultation!
