Are You Getting Good Sleep?

As you get older and you adopt more responsibilities, you can let your sleep habits slip. If you have caffeine late in the day, or you’re dehydrated, or you simply aren’t getting enough hours of sleep, you may not feel your best. It may seem like feeling tired all the time is just part of the gig, but that’s not necessarily the case. If you’re not getting good sleep after adjusting your lifestyle habits, you may actually be suffering from a medical condition. The good news about this is that your dentist can actually treat the condition.

Sleep Apnea Affects Many Adults, Hampering Their Ability to Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that may be robbing you of the restful sleep you need to feel your best. When you fall asleep, relaxed oral tissues in your mouth may block the flow of air to your lungs. This results in a failure to breathe, which causes the brain to wake the body up. However, you may not become fully conscious during this process, so you may not even realize it’s happening. These episodes can happen hundreds of times in a night.

Your Dentist Can Diagnose and Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea doesn’t have to rule your life. In fact, your dentist can help diagnose the condition. Your dentist may send you a take-home sleep study kit that will log your night-time activity (your dentist can also monitor your sleep for bruxism). If your dentist determines that you’re suffering from sleep apnea, he or she can usually prescribe a custom oral appliance (a convenient alternative to surgery) that will open up your airways during sleep. It all starts with visiting your dentist.

Talk to the Elm Creek Team About Sleep Apnea Treatment

Over time, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, depression, and reduced liver function. If you aren’t getting the restful benefits of sleep, talk to your dentist. Treating sleep apnea isn’t complicated, and Elm Creek is ready to help. To make an appointment with the experts at Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN call the office at 763-416-0606.