Are you tired of being, well, tired? Do other people often complain about your snoring? You could have sleep apnea, and our team at Mid-Michigan Dental Excellence wants to help you treat it.
If you would like to wake up feeling refreshed and maybe a little more energetic, too, get in touch with our dentist in Alma, MI.
Dr. Thomas J. McDonald has the training to help you address your sleep apnea so you — and your loved ones — can get a better night’s sleep.
To schedule a consultation, call 989-796-4848 or contact us online.
Sleep Apnea Affects You When You Are Awake, Too
Sleep apnea is classified as a sleep disorder by the National Sleep Foundation. This means sleep apnea interferes with your sleep. That much is probably obvious.
You may not realize how much that interferes with the time you are awake, however.
People who suffer from sleep apnea rarely if ever get the deep, restful sleep that health experts believe is necessary to recover from our daily activities, much less illnesses and injuries.
When you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing when you fall asleep. In an effort to keep you alive, your body will wake you up. You may not remember when this happens since it’s often just long enough to take a breath or two.
You should be aware that these stoppages can occur from four (in mild cases) to more than 30 times per hour (in severe cases).
All that can take a toll on your body. The stress can release hormones that lead to high blood pressure. People with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and strokes.
The lack of deep sleep can lead to sleep deprivation as well. This is part of the reason people with sleep apnea are more likely to be in car accidents as well.
We want you to sleep well and to feel better. We may be able to help with our sleep apnea treatments, but you’ve got to visit Mid-Michigan Dental Excellence before we can do anything.
Sleep Apnea: Know The Signs
We have alluded to some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea already. Here are some things you or your loved ones should watch for:
▸ Loud, persistent snoring
▸ Frequent breathing stoppages during the night
▸ Waking up feeling like you are gasping for breath
▸ Waking up with headaches
▸ Feeling tired when you wake up
▸ Frequent daytime sleepiness
▸ Trouble concentrating on tasks
Your family and friends may be more aware of some of these symptoms than you are. If you are aware of some of the symptoms, it would be helpful to ask people who would know about the others.
More importantly, you should make an appointment with our Dr. McDonald if you suspect you may have this sleep disorder.
It’s possible your symptoms are the result of another issue, but our staff at Mid-Michigan Dental Excellence wants to help if there is anything we can do.
How A Dentist Can Help With Sleep Apnea
Many people with sleep apnea are not aware that they have this condition, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
We will start by giving you and your spouse or bed partner a questionnaire. The result will help us determine if it’s possible that you may have sleep apnea. We also may make some measurements.
To get a better diagnosis, we may recommend a sleep study. We may be able to arrange an in-home sleep study.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines push air into your airways. This keeps them open so you can continue breathing during the night.
For some people, this is a good solution. For others, the machine creates a new set of problems. The sounds of the air can keep you awake. The mask may irritate your face, or the hose could make it difficult to find a comfortable sleep position.
In recent years, oral appliances have been approved for use in treating sleep apnea. This is a kind of mouthpiece that you wear while you sleep. You will need a little time to adjust to wearing it, but it too can open your airways without the noise, mask, or hoses. Plus it doesn’t require electricity to work.
The mouthpiece shifts your jaw forward slightly in a way to keeps your airway open. This too allows you to breathe.
That leads to less snoring, deeper sleeping, and hopefully waking up feeling refreshed.
Let Us Help You Sleep Better
Treating your sleep apnea at Mid-Michigan Dental Excellence could help you and your spouse get a better night’s sleep.
To get started, call 989-796-4848 or fill out our online form to make an appointment at our dentist office if you live in or near Alma, MI