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For millions of people in the United States, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could lead to serious issues with their day-to-day life. The lack of proper rest due to the disorder has been linked with poor health and difficulties with mood and concentration. In today’s blog, we’re looking at how sleep apnea impacts Mansfield, TX, residents, and the solutions we offer.

The Dangers of Poor Sleep

We need deep, uninterrupted rest every night to remain alert and enjoy optimal quality of life. However, when we lose sleep, this could lead to serious negative impacts. For people with sleep apnea, daytime drowsiness may occur, as well as trouble staying focused on tasks at work or school. Sufferers may also experience moodiness, dry mouth, headaches, chronic snoring, episodes of gasping or struggling to breathe in the night, and a strained immune and cardiovascular system. For some, severe untreated OSA could mean an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.

The Causes of Sleep Apnea

How do we develop apneic episodes? The issue could be caused by obesity, neck circumference, a deviated septum, allergy and sinus issues, excessive alcohol consumption, and issues with the size and shape of oral tissues. During the night, the soft tissues in the back of the throat and in the neck become too relaxed and collapse, blocking airflow. People stop breathing until the brain wakes them. Few remember these episodes, but they can happen hundreds of times every night. Over time, your quality of life and overall health suffers. Fortunately, we have treatment options.

Treatment Options

Often, we prescribe a custom-made oral appliance to stop your OSA episodes. We begin by taking detailed impressions and measurements of your smile. We use the information we gather to create a custom-made oral appliance, which fits like a mouthguard and is worn at night. The device actually moves the jaw forward to help prevent the collapse of soft tissues and ensure a night without breathing obstruction. Our team may also discuss positive changes to your daily routine, such as avoiding alcohol before bed, sleeping on your side instead of your back, and keeping your bedroom dark, cool and free of screens (TV, computer, and smartphone). Finally, we may look at a regular sleep schedule, which means going to bed and waking up at the same times every day. If you have any questions about identifying and treating OSA, or if you think you need treatment, then please contact our team today.

Ready for OSA Solutions?

If you have trouble sleeping due to a disorder such as OSA or chronic snoring, then let us know right away. For more information on our treating sleep apnea, schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.