Quality sleep is vital for your physical and mental health; however, if your partner snores, it can keep both of you tossing and turning at night. You don’t have to sleep in another room or struggle with daytime fatigue. You can give the gift of snore-less sleep and better health to your loved one with an oral appliance. Although everyone snores occasionally, chronic snoring can be a sign of an untreated sleep disorder that can increase your partner’s risk of many health concerns, including heart attacks and strokes. Here’s how an oral appliance can improve their health and quality of life, so you both can sleep peacefully.
Link Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring occurs when air can’t flow through the airways properly, which is why it’s common when dealing with a stuffy nose. However, if it’s an ongoing problem, it can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that causes frequent pauses in breathing from a narrow air passage, which is why snoring is a common symptom. An obstruction is created by the tongue or soft tissues in the back of the mouth or throat that block the airway. This can lead to frequent breathing disturbances throughout the night.
Each pause in breathing depletes their body of oxygen and interrupts their sleep cycle. Both issues can cause general and mental health to decline. There are many risks of untreated sleep apnea, including:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes or irritability
- High blood pressure
- Sleep deprivation
- Memory loss
- Diabetes
- Strokes and heart attacks
Treat Snoring with an Oral Appliance
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but it’s a good idea to have the condition ruled out. Whether your partner has sleep apnea or suffers from chronic snoring, an oral appliance can help them breathe easier.
An oral appliance is a custom-fit device that holds the tongue and jaw in a more comfortable position. This widens the airway to prevent snoring and breathing disturbances. It’s an effective solution to treat snoring and mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
Some patients with sleep apnea may require a CPAP. The machine delivers a gentle stream of air pressure through a mask worn over the mouth or nose to keep the airway open. It can be used alone or along with an oral appliance.
Gift a Good Night’s Sleep
Don’t waste money on a gift that’s just going to sit on the shelf. Give the special person in your life the gift of better health with the right snoring solution.
About Dr. Keane Fedosky
Dr. Fedosky earned his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry and has continued his education in sleep medicine. He has over 20 years of experience in oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea and snoring. He is a proud member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and many other professional organizations. Request an appointment through our website or call (972) 544-0550.