Lake Forest, Lake Bluff IL
Sleep apnea is an airway disorder that affects millions each year. One of the hallmark symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring. However, you could have sleep apnea and not know it. Used to, people assumed that only grandpas or overweight individuals developed sleep apnea, but research indicates that seemingly healthy individuals like athletes could develop this silent killer. The problem with many cases of sleep apnea is that the sufferer goes undiagnosed, only treating symptoms with medication for headaches, fatigue, and restless nights. The good news is that there is a simple, natural way to treat sleep apnea. Find out how oral appliance therapy could be the best solution to help you stop snoring.
Before we get into sleep apnea treatment, let’s discuss how airway disorders develop and who is most at risk.
How do you get sleep apnea?
Airway disorders aren’t something you “catch.” Most often, sleep apnea develops as a result of a blocked or restricted airway. In some cases, enlarged tonsils and adenoids could restrict airflow. However, many cases result from improper tongue and jaw positioning during sleep. For example, improper oral posture could cause the lower jaw to gape open in a recessed position, causing the tongue to slide into the back of the throat, blocking the airway. As you breathe through your restricted airway, the soft tissue either blocks air entirely, resulting in loud gasping sounds, or the sufferer snores loudly as the tissue vibrates. While being overweight is a risk factor for sleep apnea, individuals within a healthy weight range could also have sleep apnea.
What’s a natural way to treat sleep apnea?
Oral appliance therapy has emerged as a successful, natural treatment for sleep apnea. The idea behind wearing a customized oral appliance is that it holds your lower jaw in a proper position and gently forces the tongue to rest in the right place inside your mouth. Wearing the oral appliance while you sleep helps open the airway so that you get enough air when you breathe, and it curbs snoring.
Why not use a CPAP machine for my sleep apnea?
A continuous positive airway pressure machine, a CPAP, has been the gold standard for managing sleep apnea. It works by wearing a mask over your nose while sleeping as the machine pumps air into your airways at intervals. It works, but patients often struggle to remain consistent with using their machines. CPAP machines are notorious for being loud, cumbersome, and aggravating to clean. Plus, a common complaint of the CPAP is that its mask irritates the face. These downsides often mean that the patient stops using their machine entirely, leaving them at risk of sleep apnea dangers, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
How do I get an oral appliance for my snoring?
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or want to know how to find out if you have sleep apnea, contact Lake Forest Smiles. We provide sleep apnea assessments and can refer you to a sleep specialist for an official sleep study. Additionally, if you’ve already received your diagnosis, you can explore the option of oral appliance therapy by contacting Lake Forest Smiles at (847) 234-4800. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about natural sleep apnea remedies. We welcome patients of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire. Start living the life you’ve always wanted, feeling rested and healthy!