Everyone deserves a good night's sleep.
It can be tough to sleep next to someone who snores, especially for light sleepers. However, it's more than likely that no one is getting a good night's rest—especially if the snorer suffers from untreated obstructive sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can be a severe sleep disorder where breathing unexpectedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired during the day even after sleeping all night, you may suffer from sleep apnea. Many of our patients in Kingsport, TN come to our dental practice for help and advice to treat their sleeping disorder.
Things You Can Do at Home
- Changing your position: Sometimes the position you sleep in can make your sleep apnea worse. At Hagan Dentistry, we recommend avoiding sleeping on your back. This position can allow your throat muscles and tongue to relax into your airway and block air; sleeping on your side can lessen snoring. Some of our Kingsport, TN patients see success with raising their heads during sleep by using an incline pillow. Even a 4-inch increase can reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea.
- Diet and exercise: Many patients show an improvement in sleep apnea through moderate exercise and change in diet. Increased mobility and healthier eating are recommended for general overall health as well. Watching what you eat before you go to bed is helpful; spicy, fatty foods can cause indigestion and may make sleep apnea worse.
- Lifestyle changes: If you smoke, this may be an excellent incentive to quit. Smoking is terrible for your overall oral health, but it is also an irritant that can inflame your lung tissues. Any inflammation to your throat and lungs can irritate your sleep apnea.
Treating Sleep Apnea at Hagan Dentistry
While every case is different, many of our Kingsport, TN patients can see improvement by merely wearing a custom-made oral device during sleep. The device fits comfortably over your teeth and helps realign your jaw to prevent your tongue from obstructing your airway.
Stop Feeling Tired All Day!
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you're not getting the sleep you deserve. Call Hagan Dentistry today to experience a quiet night!