Do the people around you tell you that you snore? Do you wake up every morning feeling tired, no matter how much you sleep? Both of these situations are common signs of sleep apnea. While snoring might not seem like a big problem, other than annoying people near you, it can indicate this more serious health issue.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that can impact your quality of life—it’s also quite dangerous. At Beckstead Dental Group, we offer custom-made oral sleep appliances to treat snoring and sleep apnea concerns.
Discover more about sleep apnea and the benefits of finding a treatment or call us today to set up an appointment!
What Are Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep condition that involves not being able to breathe periodically throughout the night. These periods of breathlessness cause the brain to pull the body out of deep sleep multiple times. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause you to start and start breathing hundreds of times during the night, which can contribute to issues like hypertension, stroke, and more.
Understanding the symptoms of sleep apnea can help you find treatment quickly. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue in the day
- Snoring
- Waking up suddenly and choking
- Night sweats
- Dry mouth or a sore throat when you wake up
If you have any of these signs, it’s a good idea to seek diagnosis from a healthcare professional. At the very least, you’ll want to rule out sleep apnea.
What Are Oral Sleep Appliances?
You may have heard about continuous positive airway pressure devices—aka CPAP machines. These machines involve wearing a mask that blows air into the tube to help the patient breathe during the night. While CPAP machines are a good treatment option for sleep apnea, many people find them uncomfortable, so we offer an alternative treatment—oral sleep appliances.
If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral sleep appliance can help you breathe and sleep better. These devices keep your tongue from blocking your throat while you sleep, leading to unrestricted airways.
At Beckstead Dental Group, we create custom-fitted oral sleep appliances. These look and work similarly to mouthguards. With an oral sleep appliance, you can get better sleep and prevent the negative health impacts of sleep apnea.
Get a Restful Night’s Sleep!
Without a good night’s sleep, you may struggle to do all the things you need and love to do. Sleep apnea can ruin your sleep and also put you at risk of more serious health problems including fatal ones.
So, if you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s crucial to seek treatment options. The dental staff at Beckstead Dental Group is here to help with sleep apnea.
Call today to set up an appointment in Palo Alto or to learn more about oral sleep appliance options!