At Wambaugh Dental, we understand that getting high-quality sleep is vital to maintaining your overall health, so we know how to help someone with sleep apnea. Since approximately 18 million Americans struggle with sleep apnea, this poses a significant public health problem.
Don’t resort to searching for “sleep aid near me” online to get a good night’s rest if you’re in The Lone Star State. If you think you may have sleep apnea, call 281.501.7849 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate team at Wambaugh Dental about how to get help for sleep apnea.
What Are the Dangers of Getting Insufficient Sleep?
Everyone has experienced not getting enough sleep and not feeling physically 100% the day after. But regularly getting insufficient sleep is much worse. Insufficient sleep can lead to the following:
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Depression and anxiety
- Impaired memory, alertness, and concentration
- Low energy levels
- Poor job performance
It can also tire you during the daytime, resulting in mishaps and accidents—mainly if you handle machinery, drive a car, or participate in other activities requiring alertness. This is why getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is crucial if you think you struggle with sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a relatively common disorder in which breathing stops or becomes very shallow at night. These bouts of paused breathing may last a few seconds or several minutes. When 30 or more breathing interruptions occur per hour, sleep apnea dramatically reduces sleep quality. This condition is often caused by your airway becoming blocked or collapsing during sleep.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Anyone can get sleep apnea, but certain factors increase your risk, such as:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a large neck circumference (17” or more)
- Having small airways
- Smoking cigarettes
- Being male
- Being over the age of 40
A family history of sleep apnea may also increase your risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Here are some warning signs that you may have sleep apnea:
- Snoring loudly
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia
If you think you have sleep apnea, we highly encourage you to visit our dental office at The Woodland, Texas, for a thorough physical exam and a sleep study.
How to Help Someone with Sleep Apnea
Several treatment avenues are available for people with sleep apnea. One popular option is to wear one of several oral appliances:
- Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) – These devices fit in the mouth and work to keep the lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. This prevents airway blockage caused by this part of the mouth collapsing backward.
- Tongue retaining devices (TRDs) – As their name suggests, these devices hold your tongue in place, preventing it from blocking your airway.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines – The most common sleep apnea solution, a CPAP machine, uses pressurized air to keep your airways open as you sleep.
For individuals with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, dental devices are a smart option. Many patients enjoy improved sleep, reductions in snoring, and less fatigue during daytime hours. At Wambaugh Dental, we can determine which options suit you and help you get the treatment you need to improve your sleep.
Find Help for Sleep Apnea in Texas at Wambaugh Dental
If you’re curious about getting an oral appliance to help with your sleep apnea, please consult our caring and compassionate team at The Woodlands, Texas. After a consultation and examination, we can recommend and fit the best device for your condition. Contact Wambaugh Dental today at 281.501.7849 to learn more about sleep apnea and oral appliances that can help you sleep better.
