The Benefits of Living a Snore-Free Life and the Elimination of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

It is a reality to so many Americans: waking up each morning to blearily open your eyes and feel like you did not get a good night’s rest. You don’t remember waking up overnight, yet you don’t feel rested. Your partner then tells you you snored like you saw logs the entire night. This could be because you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. 

Dr. Alyssa Fisher and the team at Tooth Acres Dentistry in Fort Wayne, Indiana, can help you with treatment for your snoring and sleep apnea. When left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can be dangerous. In fact, if you do have untreated sleep apnea, you could be three times more likely to suffer from specific health issues than those who don’t snore or don’t have obstructive sleep apnea.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is incredibly common. Usually, while annoying to those trying to sleep in the same room, it is harmless. However, in other cases, it should be treated as a symptom of a much more severe condition. 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that results in an individual’s airway collapsing on itself as one sleeps. This occurs because the tissues in the airway become so relaxed that they end up sticking together, concealing the airway. This can happen anywhere for 10-30 seconds at a time or longer and can occur up to 50 times or more per hour. This means that there could be upwards of 50 times per hour where somebody suffering from OSA is not able to breathe. Extrapolate that over an eight-hour period, and you are talking about 400 times a night.

A loud, violent snore can often result when the airway finally opens up. This snore is called apnea. Additionally, when you are unable to breathe, you are likely waking up. As this can happen hundreds of times a night without you even realizing it, you may not get a restful night’s sleep.

The Danger of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

When obstructive sleep apnea goes untreated, it can have a devastating impact on your overall health. It can lead to extreme changes in blood pressure and oxygen levels and fragment your sleep. 

In addition, it can:

• Lead to heart disease
• Increase your risk of stroke
• Cause brain damage
• Result in Depression
• Increase your risk for type 2 diabetes
• Promote weight gain
• Leave you at a higher risk for death

The Benefits You Can Expect By Getting Treatment For Your Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea exists. Many people opt for a bulky CPAP machine. However, many patients who try this treatment method find it cumbersome. The mask is uncomfortable, hard to sleep with, and loud. If you need to travel, you can take it with you, although it is very difficult. 

Dentists today offer sleep apnea treatment through mouth appliances that keep your airway open at night and end your snoring. These mouth appliances are worn very similar to a mouthguard, are small, and comfortable.

Tacking your snoring and OSA can result in several benefits:

• You will wake up refreshed
• Your partner will not be up all night due to your loud snoring, resulting in a peaceful relationship
• You will have more energy during the day
• Your risk for many health complications will be reduced

Treat Your Obstructive Sleep Apnea Today

If you are ready to treat your obstructive sleep apnea and are in the Fort Wayne, IN, area, please contact Dr. Alyssa Fisher by calling (260) 235-2992.