Will Sleep Apnea Go Away on Its Own?

Do you wake up many times throughout the night and feel groggy, fatigued, and irritable during the day? You may have obstructive sleep apnea, a medical condition that can interrupt your sleep more than a hundred times in a single night and lead to a range of serious health problems. Here’s a brief guide to what causes sleep apnea, a few home remedies to help you manage it, and how your sleep dentist can help.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is typically caused by the way that the muscles and other tissues in the neck exert pressure on the windpipe during slumber. When you sleep, the muscles and other organs of your body relax, and the added weight against your airway can make it harder to breathe. If you have sleep apnea, you eventually won’t be able to draw air at all, and you will reflexively wake up and begin breathing normally a few seconds afterward. Unfortunately, this can severely disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to health issues like:

· Fatigue

· Trouble paying attention

· Depression

· Irritability

· Overeating

· Obesity

· Diabetes

· A greater risk of cancer

· Falling asleep while driving

How Can I Treat Sleep Apnea at Home?

There are a few home remedies that can help you get better rest if you have sleep apnea. A few of these include:

· Changing your sleeping position: Try sleeping on your side or in a recliner to reduce the weight placed on your windpipe during slumber.

· Avoid drinking: Alcohol is a muscle relaxant, which can cause your muscles and other tissues to weigh even more heavily on your windpipe.

· Exercise regularly: Research shows that working out frequently can reduce the frequency of sleep disruptions and help you get better rest.

How Can I Get Rid of My Sleep Apnea for Good?

When people think of treating sleep apnea, many of them think of CPAP machines that involve cumbersome hoses and headwear. Many patients report that using these devices is uncomfortable and sleeping with them takes a lot of getting used to. Thankfully, many dentists now offer oral appliance therapy, which uses a special customized mouthguard to hold the jaws in a position that makes it easier to breathe during sleep. This can drastically reduce how many times your sleep is interrupted so you can enjoy more rejuvenating rest.

Don’t let your sleep apnea drag your quality of life down. Getting help from your sleep dentist can help you achieve better slumber so you can enjoy happier and more productive days.

About the Practice

Sleep Better Southwest offers the finest sleep dentistry available in Sedona, Prescott Valley, and Flagstaff. Led by Dr. Jonathan Held, the staff is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and effective treatments. Areas of expertise include sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy, and TMJ treatments. If you are sick of living with the symptoms of sleep apnea, contact the practice online or dial the Sedona office at (928) 227-3024.