Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you often feel exhausted during the day? If so, your problem could be related to a serious disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. The disorder can eventually lead to serious complications, including depression, high blood pressure, and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. If you are diagnosed with the disorder, we have a few tips for addressing sleep apnea.
Tips for Addressing Sleep Apnea
- Change how you sleep: Sleeping on your back can increase the risk of soft tissue collapse in the throat and mouth, a major factor behind sleep apnea episodes. However, by sleeping on your side you can help avoid obstruction via soft tissue collapse. In addition, we suggest maintaining a regular sleep schedule, waking up and going to bed at the same times every night.
- Watch what you drink: Drinking alcohol right before bed can cause the soft tissues in the mouth and throat to become overly relaxed and collapse during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for brief periods and leading to apnea episodes. Instead, drink water before bed and avoid alcohol for at least two hours before going to sleep.
- Improve your bedroom: Make sure your bedroom offers an environment conducive to good rest. You should keep the room dark and cool and free of distractions, such as TV or computers.
- Try an oral appliance: We can prescribe an oral appliance to reposition the jaw to keep airways open and ensure unobstructed breathing.
- Consider a CPAP machine: A CPAP machine forces air through the nose and mouth via a mask, ensuring you breathe uninterrupted through the night.
Visit Our Office in Baxter, MN!
Dr. Clinton L. Roberts and the friendly staff at Greenhaven Family Dental are happy to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with a comprehensive approach to general dentistry. With years of training and experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Roberts is also adept at helping patients treat snoring and sleep apnea so they can rest more easily (and quietly). To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN, today at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.