If you have sleep apnea, you may think that you can get away with leaving it untreated. But unfortunately, this type of disorder doesn’t simply go away on its own. In fact, if left to its own devices, sleep apnea can often worsen, especially if you have any other illnesses (comorbid conditions). Here’s why if you do suffer from it, you should take it seriously and speak to your sleep dentist about how to treat it.
Does Sleep Apnea Get Worse with Time?
In a word, yes. But that doesn’t mean it has to. In fact, with proper treatment you can lessen your sleep apnea symptoms or even eliminate them entirely.
Sleep apnea often occurs in tandem with other illnesses or conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Certain cancers
- Obesity
- Advanced age
- Nasal blockages
These can worsen your sleep apnea symptoms, and sleep deprivation can also adversely affect the illnesses themselves.
Ways to Reduce Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Thankfully, there are many ways to reduce or eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms. These include:
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
- Quitting smoking
- Exercise
- Not drinking alcohol before bed
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, be on the lookout for these symptoms:
- Snoring
- Repeatedly stopping and restarting breathing during sleep
- Cognitive impairment during the day
- Always feeling tired even when you’ve gotten a full night’s sleep
How to Treat Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, it is important to treat the disorder itself. This can be done with the help of your sleep dentist. Oral appliance therapy is one of the best ways to help you get a good night’s sleep without the complicated machinery and uncomfortable equipment CPAP therapy is famous for.
Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-made orthotic that is designed to fit your mouth exactly. It is more comfortable than a CPAP mask, and it requires no electricity or electronic equipment. It works by propping your airway open so that you breathe easier in the reclined position instead of pushing it open with forced air. Because it is more comfortable, patients are more likely to use it, making it more effective than other methods of treatment. Speak to your dentist to see if oral appliance therapy is right for you.
Remember, sleep apnea won’t go away on its own, and if left untreated can get much worse with time. If you are suffering from this condition, speak to your sleep dentist today about your options and get the rest you deserve!
About Dr. Drummond
Dr. David J. Drummond knows how anxious people can get visiting the dentist, because he feels the same way! Thankfully, he uses that to inspire him to provide the best, most compassionate care possible for his own patients. If struggling with sleep apnea, let Dr. Lawton and his team help you get a better night’s sleep. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment by visiting our website or calling us at 580-355-0344.