Everyone needs good sleep but most people go without an adequate night’s rest. There are so many reasons people can’t sleep, and insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting an estimated 50%–60% of the population.
Insomnia is the condition of difficulty with sleep initiation, duration, consolidation, or quality. The main symptom of insomnia is trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. It can result from chronic stress, anxiety, depression, sleep apnea, and snoring.
Snoring occurs when the airway narrows or collapses during sleep, causing vibrations that sound like snoring. An enlarged tongue or tonsils can cause snoring or a blockage in the nose or throat area (e.g., from allergies), obesity, and pregnancy (due to hormonal changes).
The narrowing of your airways may not necessarily cause significant problems while awake. A problem with snoring and sleep apnea is that there isn’t enough oxygen when you’re asleep—which means that your brain cells aren’t getting enough energy either. What’s more? While sleep apnea does tend to increase with age due to changes in anatomy and hormonal changes during menopause, children also suffer from milder forms of obstructive sleep apnea.
Snoring and sleep apnea raises your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke by increasing blood pressure and reducing oxygen levels in the body. People with sleep apnea stop breathing many times a night, which causes them to wake up numerous times. Snoring is often a precursor to sleep apnea. If you have problems sleeping or stop breathing while sleeping, call Hood Canal Family Dental. (360) 877-5151
Whoever thought that a dentist could help you with sleeping difficulties? They can, and they do it every day with sleep dentistry. In Hoodsport, Wa, Dr. Downing, and his team are helping plenty of people recover from their sleep problems and providing them with tools to get them back to sleep.
50-70 million people suffer from sleep apnea or snoring, which majorly interupts the sleep cycle.
Dentists, sleep specialists, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, are working together to ease sleep apnea and snoring symptoms. It’s estimated that about 50 million to 70 million Americans have ongoing sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and many are undiagnosed.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway while you’re sleeping. The obstruction cuts off the amount of required oxygen delivered throughout the body. As a person suffering from this condition sleeps, they might stop breathing over 100 times during an 8-hour period. If you have OSA and don’t treat it properly, you could be at risk for additional health problems, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
Symptoms of sleep apnea.
The most common signs and symptoms of OSA include: loud snoring that is interrupted by periods of silence, which then begins again with a new snore. The frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep can lead to daytime drowsiness and exhaustion. Other less common signs and symptoms include:
- Cognitive impairment
- Daytime sleepiness or
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth or
- Sore throat upon awakening
- Mood disturbances (depression or anxiety)
- Night sweats
- Restlessness during sleep
- Snoring
- Sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking
- Frequent nighttime awakenings
- Interruptions of REM cycle
What can help me with sleep apnea?
The best thing to help with sleep apnea or snoring is by calling Hood Canal Family Dental immediately. We are experts at dental sleep medicine. We’ll set up an appointment with you and offer the solutions you need for sleep apnea. You can sleep soundly, but you need to see us first for a thorough examination, diagnosis, and remedy.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The appliance fits over your teeth like an orthodontic retainer while you sleep and supports your jaw in a gentle forward position. Holding your jaw forward keeps your airway open. A custom-fit oral appliance can improve sleep, restore alertness, and revitalize your health.
Oral Appliances also prevent your tongue from falling back into your throat while you sleep. Oral appliances are not a cure for snoring or sleep apnea, but they can be used to treat both conditions.
If you have sleep apnea, you might be considering whether or not to get treatment. A dental appliance can be a gentler way to treat your sleep apnea than sleeping with a mask over your face. Unlike CPAP machines, which force air into your nose through a mask worn over your face, oral appliances allow you to breathe through both sides of your mouth while sleeping—no matter what position you’re sleeping in.
Oral appliances are comfortable to wear. They can also be aesthetically pleasing as they come in a variety of colors, styles and materials to suit any taste.
You will feel better when you receive proper sleep dentistry treatment. Putting an end to your snoring or obstructive sleep apnea will make you feel healthier and happier. You will find that your quality of life will dramatically improve when you visit Hood Canal Family Dental and discover that relief is available.
Call (360) 877-5151 for relief from obstructive sleep apnea with the aid of sleep dentistry in Hoodsport!
About Dr. Downing
Dr. Downing finds profound fulfillment in enhancing the health and happiness of his patients through quality sleep solutions. He provides personalized guidance throughout the treatment journey, aiming to restore the joy of refreshing, uninterrupted sleep
With over two decades of success in the field of dentistry, Dr. Downing has found his calling in dental sleep medicine, a passion inspired by his personal experience with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Having grappled with the challenges of traditional CPAP machines firsthand, both he and his wife have discovered the transformative potential of Oral Appliance therapy for managing Sleep Apnea and partner snoring.
A graduate of the University of Washington, Dr. Downing obtained his dental degree in 2001. Since then, he has invested significantly in his professional development, gaining comprehensive training in dental sleep medicine. Recognized for his expertise, he achieved the status of qualified dentist by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and is preparing to take the Diplomate exam, a certification pursued by less than 1% of dentists.
As an active member of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy and the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Downing's commitment to continuous learning is evident.
Together with his dedicated team, Dr. Downing eagerly anticipates the opportunity to provide you with superior sleep solutions.