Sleep apnea is a frustrating and uncomfortable health condition that can cause a person to wake up more than a hundred times in a single night if the case is extreme. Fortunately, many dentists offer effective treatments that can significantly reduce or resolve the symptoms of sleep apnea. Here’s a brief guide to how sleep apnea is treated, why napping during the day can interfere with that treatment, and how you can maximize your chances of excellent rest at night.
What Is Sleep Apnea and How Is It Treated?
Sleep apnea is characterized by the relaxing fat and muscle tissues in the neck pressing too heavily on the windpipe during sleep, which causes the patient to awaken suddenly and out of breath. Dentists can address this problem with oral appliance therapy, which means providing the patient with a customized device designed to hold the jaw in a forward position during sleep. This can reduce the weight placed on the windpipe and allow the sleeper to breathe more easily without uncomfortable CPAP machines.
How Can Napping Interfere with Sleep Apnea Treatment?
While sleep apnea can leave you feeling groggy during the day, taking a quick nap or two may only aggravate your symptoms in the long run. If the body is allowed to sleep during the day, it will be less tired at night, which will make it more difficult to fall asleep. To achieve optimal rest, it’s usually best to sleep only at night if possible.
How Can I Get Better Sleep?
Luckily, there are a few excellent home remedies that may be a great way to reduce your symptoms so you can enjoy better results from your oral appliance therapy and feel more wakeful during the day. A few of these include:
- Regular exercise: Frequent moderate-to-intense cardiovascular strain will improve your circulation and leave you more tired when it’s time for bed.
- Smart eating decisions: Refraining from eating before bed and limiting your intake of sugars, salt, and fat can help you maintain a healthy weight and smooth digestion that is less likely to interfere with sleep.
- Propping up your head: Using pillows or cushions to raise your head when you lay down can allow gravity to pull the weight of the tissues in your neck away from your windpipe.
Don’t let sleep apnea deprive you of the rest you need to feel great and function well each day. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to resolve this issue.
About the Practice
Dr. Matthew Scarpitti earned his dental degree at Creighton University and refines his skills further with continuing education coursework. He has received extensive training in oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. His office in Orlando offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sleep apnea treatments. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact his office online or dial (407) 658-1111.