It goes without saying that sleep apnea can make it difficult to feel rested and enjoy your day. Poor sleep quality often comes with increased irritability, anxiety, and fatigue – and decreased immune system effectiveness. Fortunately, you’re not without treatment options! Keep reading to learn how you can get diagnosed and manage your symptoms.
Sleep Tests: Your First Step to Better Rest
In order to receive medical treatment for sleep apnea, you first have to be diagnosed by a qualified professional. This means taking a sleep test, but don’t worry – you won’t be asked to memorize a bunch of sleep facts! Instead, your specialist will monitor your biological rhythms while you sleep. Lab tests are more accurate than at-home tests, but many patients prefer having their results recorded from the comfort of their own bed.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
Once you’re diagnosed, a sleep specialist or sleep dentist can use the specifics of your test results to plan your treatment. Depending on how frequently you experience apnea occurrences, they might recommend:
- A CPAP Machine. This is essentially a breathing device. You’ll wear the mask over your mouth and nose when you’re ready for bed, and the machine will improve your airflow, stopping your brain from needing to jolt you awake due to insufficient oxygen.
- An Oral Appliance. These also improve your airflow, but in a way that’s a little more low-profile. You’ll wear this appliance like a mouthguard or plastic retainer, and it will shift your jaw and oral tissue so that they no longer obstruct your airway.
- Combined Therapy. Sometimes one option alone isn’t enough! In this case, you might need the benefit of both a CPAP machine and oral appliance.
Managing Your Symptoms with Home Remedies
While these treatment methods are the best ways to promote better rest when you have sleep apnea, home remedies can help manage your symptoms. If you need extra sleep support, try these tips:
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bed
- Sleep in a different position
- Elevate your head with multiple pillows
- Take allergy medication if you’re congested
- Experiment with different sounds, smells, and textures that can make your environment more comfortable
Don’t wait to treat your sleep apnea! Talk to your PCP and sleep dentist today so you can rest better tomorrow.
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond knows that the dentist probably isn’t the first place you’d have in mind for sleep apnea treatment. Rest assured, he’s a highly experienced professional, and cares for every patient with compassion – and a good sense of humor! To learn more about sleep apnea solutions, contact his office at 580-355-0344.