Are you waking up feeling more exhausted than when you went to bed? A full night’s sleep does not always mean waking up refreshed. Sleep Disordered Breathing, or SDB, may be your offender. Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring usually go undiagnosed, which negatively affects sleep quality and health in general. Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive solution to these problems.
If you are suffering from constant fatigue or disrupted sleep, oral appliance therapy may be something to look into. This blog will help you determine the moment when you should speak with your doctor about oral appliance therapy.
What is Sleep Disordered Breathing?
Sleep disordered breathing is a category of sleep disorders that involves conditions where normal breathing patterns are disrupted during sleep. The most common condition within SDB is called obstructive sleep apnea, which involves partial or complete obstruction of the airway, thereby disturbing breathing.
Other conditions involve heavy snoring and irregular patterns of breathing. Many people with SDB wake up many times during sleep with a start, gasping for air or choking. Common signs and symptoms of sleep disordered breathing include loud snoring, chronic fatigue during the day, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. These signs may indicate that it’s time to consult a doctor about your sleep health.
Impact of Sleep Disordered Breathing on Health
Sleep disordered breathing, if left untreated, can result in serious health consequences. Chronic SDB has been related to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The constant interruption of sleep increases the workload on the cardiovascular system, hence causing long-term complications.
Besides, cognitive functions may also be disturbed due to untreated SDB, leading to poor memory, reduced concentration, and mood disturbances. Further, the effect of the disease is extended to cause disturbance in daily life, work performance, and relationships. Early treatment of SDB prevents such risks and leads to an improved quality of life, such as with oral appliance therapy in Florham Park.
When to Consider Oral Appliance Therapy for SDB
Oral appliance therapy is an extremely effective treatment option for people with mild-to-moderate sleep disordered breathing, especially obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. This non-invasive therapy works by repositioning the jaw and tongue during sleep, keeping the airway open and improving airflow.
If you have continued snoring, daytime fatigue, or problems concentrating despite adequate sleep, now may be the time to talk with your doctor about oral appliance therapy. A diagnosis of mild-to-moderate OSA is another key indicator that this may be the right treatment for you.
Speak with your doctor or sleep specialist to determine whether oral appliance therapy is the proper course of action in treating your sleep issue.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
Oral appliance therapy in Florham Park is considered a treatment for sleep-disordered breathing by repositioning either the lower jaw or tongue. These devices are individually designed to accommodate your mouth and keep the airway open while you sleep. It works by subtly shifting the jaw forward to allow air to flow freely, reducing the chance of snoring or breathing interruptions.
Studies prove that oral appliance therapy has been very effective in treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Success has been reported at up to 80% in improving sleep quality and reducing the severity of the apnea events. Properly fitted and worn, oral appliances have the potential to be comfortable to wear and easy to manage, which improves sleep and overall health.
Sleep disordered breathing symptoms need to be identified to improve sleep and reduce the risk of other long-term general health problems. Symptoms include the most common: snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating.
Oral appliance therapy might just be what you need. Do not wait until your health goes from bad to worse. See a doctor or a sleep specialist to get more information about how beneficial oral appliance therapy can be. The first step towards better sleep may be life-changing.
FAQs
Is oral appliance therapy effective for all types of sleep apnea?
Oral appliance therapy is most effective for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It may not be suitable for severe cases, where continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be needed instead.
Can oral appliance therapy be used with other treatments?
Yes, oral appliance therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as CPAP, for patients with mixed sleep apnea or those who need additional support for optimal results.
How do I know if oral appliance therapy is right for me?
Consult a sleep specialist or dentist trained in sleep medicine to evaluate your symptoms and determine if oral appliance therapy is appropriate for treating your sleep apnea or snoring.
How long do oral appliances last?
Oral appliances can last between 3 to 5 years with proper care. Regular follow-ups with your dentist will ensure the device remains effective and comfortable over time.
What is the success rate of oral appliance therapy?
Oral appliance therapy has a success rate of approximately 80% in improving sleep apnea symptoms and reducing snoring, particularly in patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
