Want a Better Night’s Sleep? Your Dentist Can Help

Have you been waking up feeling as if you never went to bed? A poor night’s sleep is almost as bad as no night’s sleep, possibly worse. Plus, it can leave many people feeling restless, and even hopeless. But did you know that if your sleep has been suffering, your dentist could help? If your problem stems from sleep apnea, a dangerous condition that can affect your ability to breathe while you sleep, a dentist can help provide treatment that can keep your airways open and your sleep more sound.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when passageways become blocked during sleep. In many cases, the first warning sign of sleep apnea is loud snoring. While many people ignore snoring, thinking it’s an annoyance and nothing more, sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition. That’s because it means you’re not getting sufficient oxygen as you sleep.

Apnea episodes can occur throughout the night, often hundreds of times. Each time your brain is triggering for you to wake up, which is what causes a lack of restful sleep, which can have many health risks.

How to Recognize If You Have a Problem

Besides snoring, some other symptoms that might indicate you have sleep apnea, include:

• Headaches
• Irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Tiredness, in spite of a full night’s sleep
• Waking up in the middle of the night

If you might be suffering from sleep apnea, find a dentist certified by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, which helps find treatment options to help reduce obstructive sleep apnea. Dental treatment may be able to eliminate the dangerous sleep apnea, and even be able to prevent snoring, in general.