When you sleep, do you tend to snore? If this has become loud enough that your family members have started to mention their worry, then take the time to talk to a trusted oral health professional about whether obstructive sleep apnea is to blame. This common sleep disorder happens during the deepest form of sleep, when the tissue of the throat becomes a little too soft to maintain its structure. Sleep apnea can increase your risk of some serious cardiovascular conditions, so it is important to know if this is what you experience.
At our advanced sleep clinic in Fenton, MI, we help people to fight back against chronic obstructive sleep apnea with the use of a simple oral appliance. Oral appliance therapy works in a different way than traditional CPAP, helping you to avoid the noise and mess. If you are ready to discover the advantages of a non-surgical, quieter sleep apnea solution, call out office today!
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs during REM sleep, which is the deepest form of rest that we experience. During this time, the body acts in some unique ways; one of these changes is that the throat becomes more relaxed. If the tissue of the throat blocks the airway to the point where the person does not receive an appropriate amount of oxygen, this is called obstructive sleep apnea.
Apnea pauses can last for well over a minute, and when this happens routinely through the night, it can harm your overall health. Those with untreated OSA are at an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and many other cardiovascular conditions. But how do you know if you are experiencing sleep apnea, since you are, after all, asleep?
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors To Remember
When you suspect that OSA is keeping you up at night, it can be helpful to look at sleep apnea risk factors to see if it sounds like you. For example, certain lifestyle activities like smoking and alcohol consumption contribute to this common sleep disorder. Those with a heavier weight are also at an elevated risk of OSA. On average, men experience this more frequently, as well, but that does not necessarily mean that women are immune from this condition. To find out more about sleep apnea risk factors, take our simple sleep quiz!
Improve Your Rest With Sleep Well Dental Center
If your friends and family talk about your snoring, talk to your oral health provider about whether obstructive sleep apnea is to blame. With oral appliance therapy, you can ditch the hoses and wires of traditional CPAP therapy. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Sleep Well Dental Center in Fenton, MI at (810) 354-7550 today!