Will My Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Weatherford Ever Go Away?

You’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea. It seems like the end of the world. Or at least the end of your bed partner sleeping comfortably next to you. Will this condition ever go away, or will it affect you for the rest of your life? A dentist explains different ways of treating obstructive sleep apnea in Weatherford.

Treating Sleep Apnea in the Short Run

There are multiple methods of treating sleep apnea, some of which you can do immediately. These include:

• Not sleeping on your back. Your tongue is more likely to cause airway blockage when you sleep on your back. Try sleeping on your side instead.
• Avoiding alcohol before bed. Alcohol can make your throat muscles relax, increasing the risk of snoring and apnea.
• Not taking sleeping pills. Medications that make you sleepy can relax the throat muscles as well.
• Treating allergies. By taking medication for nasal allergies, your airways can become clearer. Often an over-the-counter allergy pill is enough to do the trick.

Treating Sleep Apnea in the Long Run

Most sleep apnea treatments involve making changes over time. It’s best to get started on them as soon as possible to improve your quality of sleep. Changes like these can help:

• Quitting smoking. Smoking, especially over a long period of time, decreases your ability to breathe well. Ask your doctor about resources to help you quit.
• Exercising. Studies have shown that people who are physically active have less sleep apnea than those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle. People who work out have a higher quality of sleep because they are not interrupted in the night by a sudden cessation of breathing.
• Losing weight. If you have a neck circumference greater than 16 inches, you have a significantly higher risk for sleep apnea than others. When you have more fatty tissue in your neck, it’s more likely to get in the way of your breathing. Research has demonstrated that sleep apnea has receded when people lost weight. However, it can resurface if you put the weight back on.

Therapies

If these treatments don’t work out, your doctor may suggest using a device to open your airways. These are often effective immediately.

One such machine is called continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. It delivers air pressure through a mask you wear while you sleep. The pressure is just enough to keep your airways open to prevent snoring and apnea.

Although CPAP machines are common and generally reliable, some people find them too bothersome. Some people, or their bed partners or roommates, find the humming noise of the machine to be too distracting to sleep through.

If that’s the case, your dentist might prescribe you a custom-fitted oral appliance that you wear during the night. These devices are designed to keep your throat open. Some bring your jaw forward, which can relieve snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Although sleep apnea might not ever permanently go away, there are plenty of ways to make it easier to deal with. If it seems overwhelming, talk to your dentist or doctor. They should be able to help you explore your options and figure out which one is best for you!

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack has attended numerous continuing education courses about sleep apnea and related sleep breathing disorders. Her goal is to help patients improve their quality of life by improving their quality of sleep. At Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine in Weatherford, TX, you can seek treatment for your sleep apnea in a comfortable, welcoming environment. To learn more about sleep apnea, click here or call (817)-594-3806.