A NIGHT OF DEEP, RESTORATIVE SLEEP IS WITHIN REACH
Sleep apnea is a common breathing disorder, often accompanied by snoring, which can disrupt your sleep. This disorder causes the soft tissue in the back of the mouth to partially or fully cover the airway throughout the night.
Breathing is paused or becomes shallow, which shifts you out of deep sleep and into a light, less restful sleep. While this condition affects many people, it can be detrimental to rest levels and should be taken seriously.
Dr. Stacey Hall works with patients experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnea or being diagnosed with sleep apnea. She may notice the signs of a possible sleep-related problem during your routine dental exam and recommend a sleep study with a qualified physician. Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea and other sleep-disordered breathing problems is important for overall health and wellness.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Recognizing the signs of a sleep disorder and seeking treatment is the key to resolving issues and improving your quality of life. Common signs of sleep apnea can include:
- Loud snoring or gasping for air when sleeping
- Feeling sleepy or foggy during the day despite a “full night’s sleep”
- Changes in your daily mood, increasing agitation
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks
While many of these symptoms can also be caused by other medical problems, it is important to seek the advice of a professional to determine the cause.
TREATING SLEEP APNEA: ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY
The CPAP is still the “gold standard of treatment for sleep apnea and is necessary for those with severe symptoms. However, oral appliance therapy can be the perfect solution for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or anyone intolerant of CPAP.
Dr. Hall works with patients who need a sleep appliance to find the best option and monitor their symptoms over time. Fortunately, with various sleep apnea oral appliances on the market, sleepless nights no longer have to be an issue.
Williamsburg Center for Dental Health offers the SomnoDent® MAS, a custom-made device comprising upper and lower dental plates with a unique patented fin-coupling component that allows for normal mouth function. This comfortable, easy-to-use device is similar to an athletic mouthguard designed to hold your lower jaw forward while you sleep.
The appliance tightens the muscles of the upper airway to allow easier breathing. Additionally, the device is very discreet and allows you to close your lips around it naturally. No clunky, uncomfortable devices or noisy machines–the SomnoDent® MAS is the barely-there mouthpiece that can finally get you back to sleeping without disruptions.
If breathing disruptions affect the quality of your sleep, schedule an appointment with us today to discuss whether your snoring could indicate sleep apnea. We can help you find a simple solution and get you back to a good night’s sleep in no time.
SLEEP APNEA FAQS
What foods cause sleep apnea?
Foods that cause sleep apnea include carbohydrates, dairy, alcohol, and, surprisingly, bananas. All of these foods contain nutrients that increase your body’s mucus production. This increases your risk for blockages in your airways, causing more apneas.
What is the best position to sleep with sleep apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, sleeping on your right side is best to promote blood flow. Sleeping on your side also opens airways encouraging airflow.
Does eating before bed make sleep apnea worse?
If you have sleep apnea, avoid eating large meals before bed. Lots of food before bed can put excess pressure on your diaphragm, which will, in turn, negatively affect breathing. Patients with sleep apnea should try to have their last meal at least 2 hours before bed.
What puts a patient at risk for sleep apnea?
Patients may be at an increased risk for sleep apnea if they are overweight, older, or male. Sleep apnea is more common in men than women. We see it more commonly in patients who are older and overweight.