Tackling Sleep Apnea

Monday 23rd May 2016

If you suspect your snoring is not only a source of irritation for people around you, but also an indicator of a more serious health issue, it is time to take steps to determine the cause and the best way to treat it.
 

Recognizing Sleep Apnea

If you snore, the chances are that your spouse or partner is well aware of it. Odds are they have been woken up by your loud snoring or sudden choking sounds more than once, and have been terrified when you stopped breathing in the middle of the night. Even so, they can often be too polite to bring it up. No matter how often it happens, it is not something anyone easily forgets.

If your partner is a really heavy sleeper or you live alone, the indicators are being sleepy and tired after what should have been a good night's sleep, reaching for water first thing in the morning because your throat is sore or dry, or having regular morning headaches.

Attacking the Problem

Sleep apnea does sound scary, after all nobody wants to hear that they stop breathing during the night, no matter for how short a time. However, the diagnosis should not cause you to panic, as there are several ways to treat it.

As soon as you realize you often snore, it is time to make some lifestyle changes. Losing some weight and regular exercise can do wonders to help clear your breathing. Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol and sedatives are also recommended, as well as maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

Your dentist can take the process a step further by advising you on the variety of different devices that can help open your airway during the night, ensuring both you and your partner can sleep properly and without interruption. In severe cases, there is treatment and equipment available to keep your airway clear all night and provide extra oxygen, if required.

Tackling the issue head-on will help you feel more rested during the day, improve your overall health. It should also reduce tension from this issue with your significant other. There is no time like the present, to start taking back control of the sleeping part of your li