You’ve been having trouble falling asleep lately, and even when you think you’ve slept all night, you still feel exhausted the next day. Maybe you’ve thought about using sleeping pills to make sure you’re getting enough rest. This might seem like a reasonable idea on the surface, but you need to be extremely cautious; if your sleep problems are the result of sleep apnea, sleeping pills in Lawton might lead to even worse problems. Read on to learn why you should stay away from sleep aids before you’ve had your sleep disorder diagnosed.
What Happens During Sleep Apnea?
When you fall asleep, the muscles and tissues in your mouth and throat may start to relax, and as a result they could fall back and block your airway. If this happens, you won’t be able to breathe, and the brain will need to wake you up so that you can get some oxygen. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is interrupted this way multiple times every night. If it’s not treated, you could have trouble focusing at important times during the day (such as when driving), and the repeated drops in oxygen could take their toll on your heart.
Why Shouldn’t You Take Sleeping Pills if You Have Sleep Apnea?
Taking sleeping pills can make your sleep apnea even more severe. The medicine works by helping your muscles relax, and unfortunately this includes the mouth and throat muscles that could be contributing to sleep-related breathing disorders. As a result, apnea episodes could become more frequent. Furthermore, while sleeping pills will help you stay asleep, this also means that the amount of oxygen deprivation needed to signal your brain to wake you up is higher; that means your body will go without air for longer periods of time, and it goes without saying that this can have severe consequences for your health.
What’s the Right Way to Treat Sleep Apnea?
There are several signs that could indicate you’re suffering from poor quality sleep, including loud snoring, drowsiness during the day, mood swings, memory problems, irritability, and insomnia; if you notice that you’ve been experiencing these symptoms lately, get in touch with a sleep apnea expert who can diagnose your problem. Once it’s been confirmed that you have sleep apnea in Lawton, you can seek an effective form of treatment, such as an oral appliance that adjusts your jaw and tongue to keep your airway clear.
There are ways to try and treat sleep apnea in Lawton at home, but you should always get a professional’s opinion first. After all, getting a good night’s rest is important, but the wrong kind of treatment could end up doing more harm than good!
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond served in the United States Army Dental Corps from 1982 to 1993. At his sleep apnea office, he puts his years of training and experience to use to help his patients overcome their sleep disorders and enjoy their well-deserved slumber. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (580) 355-0344.