Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Breathing interruptions while you sleep is a significant sleep problem known as sleep apnea. Even while these breathing pauses only last 10 to 20 seconds, they can occur several times during the night—up to 100 times in severe cases. Most patients might not recall being startled awake each time. These sleep cycle disruptions result in light, restless sleep that might impair your concentration and productivity the following day. Due to its numerous negative effects on your health, starting with your heart, sleep apnea can potentially be fatal. Fortunately, our Okemos airway dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares information on the blog today on how you can reduce your risk of sleep apnea so that you can protect your health and live a more vibrant life.
What are some ways I can reduce my sleep apnea risk on my own?
Sleep apnea can be a severe condition that sometimes leads to a more complex medical problem. The good news is that there are some steps that you can take at home to help reduce sleep apnea issues.
Our Lansing dentist that treats sleep apnea explains that modifying lifestyle choices, like the ones cited below, could lessen the severity of your condition.
- Lose weight – Excess weight in the human body can reduce the airway, restricting airflow. So, when an overweight person loses weight, it can clear their throat, reduce sleep apnea symptoms, and help them get a better night’s rest.
- Exercise – Exercise is an excellent way to boost your energy and strengthen throat muscles for an improved breathing experience. Plus, it can help you shed unwanted pounds and keep your heart healthy too.
- Sleep Sideways – One of the main causes of sleep apnea is sleeping on your back, which can obstruct your airways. You can prevent snoring and keep your airway open by sleeping on your side.
- Avoid Alcohol – The muscles in your throat might relax and make it difficult to breathe if you drink alcohol or take sedatives before bed.
- Stop Smoking – In addition to a multitude of other health complications, tobacco use can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airways, which can cause breathing challenges.
- Limit Caffeine – A cup of coffee before bed can create sleep disturbances, so it’s best to limit consumption and stop drinking it two hours before going to sleep.
What are some treatments available beyond what I can do myself?
Our East Lansing sleep apnea dentist is honored to offer various treatment methods to help you reduce your sleep apnea and help you regain control of your restless nights. To begin the process, Dr. Tenaglia will conduct a full examination of your oral health and airway. Then, she will recommend a sleep study to determine your condition’s severity and recommend proper treatments. After receiving the results of the sleep study, Dr. Tenaglia will discuss treatment options. For mild to moderate cases, oral appliance therapy can help open the airway and facilitate proper airflow while sleeping.
Airway Dentistry in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Your sleep apnea risk dramatically increases with poor lifestyle habits and choices. When you change your habits, you can reduce the impact sleep apnea has on your body. Additionally, when you pair your efforts with proper treatment from our experienced sleep apnea dentist in Okemos, you can dramatically reduce your sleep apnea risk and improve your overall health and wellness. To find out more about sleep apnea and how you can reduce your risks, please call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online today to ask your question or schedule an appointment.