While snoring is a very common part of sleeping, when it happens regularly and is alarmingly loud, it can be indicative of a larger issue — one that can negatively affect your mental and physical well-being. If you or a loved one persistently snore at an excessive volume, you may suffer from a condition known as sleep apnea. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist discusses the causes of and solutions to sleep apnea. 

What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea, or OSA, is typically caused by a blockage in your airways while you sleep. In the case of OSA, the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, which causes you to briefly stop breathing. This prompts your brain to quickly wake up and for you to gasp for air, interrupting your sleep cycle. Interestingly, you probably won’t even be aware that you’re waking up, but you still are. This cycle of falling asleep and waking up can happen hundreds of times each night. Unsurprisingly, this can absolutely wreak havoc on your sleep pattern, causing excessive exhaustion. When you regularly get less than about eight hours of sleep a night, you start to lose brainpower, and your mood often declines. What’s more is that it can weaken your immune system, making you much more susceptible to illnesses. If you seemingly always wake up tired despite being in bed for eight hours, you may suffer from Sleep Apnea. Ultimately, obstructive sleep apnea can cause problems that affect your overall health and your personal and work life. 

Professional Sleep Solutions

The two main ways to treating OSA are a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine and a custom mouthguard. The CPAP works by providing a gentle, yet constant stream of air through a small mask into your airways, which stops them from closing while you sleep. Though this is effective, it is a relatively cumbersome, loud machine. If you frequently travel, it could be a hassle to carry around. Alternatively, a custom, professionally made mouthguard can provide similar results without the hindrance of an external machine. It works by keeping your lower jaw positioned forward to keep your airway open. When you see your dentist about your snoring, they will work with you to find the best solution for your specific needs. You can feel free to ask them during your regularly scheduled cleanings and exams.

Schedule An Appointment To Learn About Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from excessive snoring, or you are constantly waking up exhausted without knowing why, you should consider ​​calling the Dental Centre of Conroe today at (936) 441-4600. Located in Conroe, TX, we also proudly serve the residents of Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Montgomery, Magnolia, Huntsville, and all the surrounding communities.