If you rely on several cups of coffee to get through the day, your sleep schedule can affect your physical and mental health. There’s no denying the importance of getting a good night’s rest. The National Sleep Foundation launched Sleep Awareness Week in 1998 to enhance awareness of the necessity of getting 7-9 hours of rest nightly. Sometimes, going to bed earlier isn’t enough, especially if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Here’s how an oral appliance can help you breathe better to get the rest you need.
Poor Sleep Quality and Sleep Apnea
The National Sleep Foundation reports that 45% of Americans deal with fatigue that affects their daily activities at least once a week. Although many things can cause a poor night’s rest, obstructive sleep apnea is a common influence.
An obstruction is created in your upper airway from the soft tissues in the back of your mouth or throat collapsing. This can cause potentially hundreds of breathing disruptions during the night. Each event can last for a minute or more, depleting your body of oxygen. Over time, this can increase your risk of various health issues, like heart disease and diabetes.
However, breathing disruptions also interrupt your sleep cycle. Each time you stop breathing, your brain jolts you awake to resume inhaling, which disrupts your sleep cycle. As a result, your sleep quality declines, affecting your mental health and cognitive abilities. Sleep deprivation can occur over time, increasing your risk of auto accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 100,000 auto accidents in the U.S. are caused by drowsy driving. Sadly, 1,550 crashes are fatalities. Sleep apnea therapy not only keeps you and others on the road safer, but it also improves your physical and psychological health.
Treat OSA with an Oral Appliance
A CPAP machine is the most traditional method of treating sleep apnea, but there’s another solution. An oral appliance is a custom-fit appliance that trains your jaw to rest in a more comfortable position to keep your airway open. It’s a comfortable and effective option to treat mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Within a few nights, you won’t need your afternoon cup of coffee for a burst of energy. You’ll sleep peacefully, knowing your airway will stay open. You will wake up alert and ready to tackle the day.
About Dr. Jay A. Nelson
Dr. Nelson earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has continued his training to specialize in dental sleep medicine. He is a member of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine, and the American Board of Sleep & Breathing. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (813) 694-1580.