Do you often find yourself struggling to get a good night’s rest? You’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from sleep apnea, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure. But there is hope. There are several things you can do to unblock your airway and improve your quality of sleep.
Airway Obstruction and Sleep Apnea
The leading cause of sleep apnea is an obstruction of the airway. This can be due to several things, including excess weight, large tonsils, or a misaligned jaw. When the airway is blocked, it makes it difficult for air to flow through and can cause you to snore loudly. In some cases, the obstruction is severe enough to interrupt your breathing during sleep. If this happens, it’s called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Symptoms and Risks of OSA
The most common symptom of OSA is loud snoring. Other symptoms include daytime sleepiness, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, OSA can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
If you think you might have sleep apnea, the first step is to see your doctor. They will likely refer you to a sleep specialist for a diagnosis. Once OSA is confirmed, there are several treatment options available.
Jaw Alignment and Sleep
Newer research has shown that jaw development treatment strategies can positively affect the airway and sleep breathing. An Osseo-Restoration Appliance stimulates remodeling of the jaw in a face-forward manner. When the jaw is safely and gently remodeled forward, there is more volume for the tongue inside the mouth. This means that the tongue can move out of the airway and comfortably rest in the palate while the person is asleep.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Do you suffer from sleep apnea? You may benefit from an Osseo-Restoration Appliance. If you are interested in learning more about this treatment option, please contact our office at (425) 329-3142 to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss whether this option is right for you.
