Sleep apnea is an obstructive sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop for short periods while you’re sleeping. People with the condition don’t get enough oxygen into their system, leading them to have interrupted sleep.
Sleep apnea can cause health issues such as cardiac illnesses, memory loss, poor immune functions, diabetes, and hypertension.
Dr. Farhana Rassiwala and Dr. Rashmi Bajoria at Inspire Smiles Dental in Dublin, California, have successfully treated dozens of apneic patients and helped them lead healthier lives.
In this blog, you can find a few of our tips on what you can do if you have sleep apnea.
- Change Your Sleeping Position
A 2006 study revealed that the severity of sleep apnea changes depending on your sleep position. Some people experience comparatively fewer symptoms when they lie on their side, while others have found that lying on their back is more beneficial.
To get a clear understanding of what’s triggering your apneic episodes, visit our dentists at Inspire Smiles Dental, and they will recommend the sleeping position changes you can make to find what works best for you.
- Maintain Your Weight
Being overweight is one of the most common contributing factors to sleep apnea. Studies have shown that an increase in upper body weight can lead to airway obstruction. Hence, taking steps to maintain your weight can help minimize apneic episodes.
The things you can try to do to systematically lose weight and alleviate symptoms are to exercise regularly, do breathing exercises, and opt for a balanced diet.
- Try a Mandibular Advancement Device
Using mandibular advancement devices can help alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnea by opening up your airways and allowing you to sleep better. These devices are similar to retainers and allow for efficient oxygen circulation.
- Make Lifestyle Changes
Making a lifestyle change by reducing drinking and smoking can help you sleep better. For instance, alcohol use relaxes the throat muscles that facilitate breathing, causing you to snore or have interrupted sleep. Reducing regular consumption of alcohol and smoking helps you fight apnea and get better sleep.
Sleep apnea is easily treatable if you make lifestyle changes, seek medical help, and commit to exercising.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rassiwala or Dr. Bhadoria for a detailed assessment of your sleep condition. Call (925) 833-9500 for an appointment or visit our office at 7739 Amador Valley Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568, and get ready to experience better sleep and a better life.