Will Sleep Apnea Eventually Go Away On Its Own?

When you first find out that you have sleep apnea, you may not be completely sure how to deal with it. Your first thought may be to simply wait a while and see if the problem goes away on its own. But is this actually a viable strategy? Or do you need to be more proactive in finding a solution to your sleep disorder? Your sleep dentist is here to help give you a clear idea of what the best strategy for dealing with sleep apnea looks like.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

In most cases, sleep apnea is a consequence of your airway becoming blocked while you’re asleep, often due to the relaxation of the muscles near the back of your throat. An obstructed airway can cause you to stop breathing, forcing your brain to wake the body up in an effort to get some air. These frequent awakenings can disrupt your efforts to get a good night’s sleep, which can be bad news for your overall health and your quality of life.

So, Will Sleep Apnea Go Away By Itself?

Simply put, the answer is no. Sleep apnea is considered to be a chronic sleep disorder; you cannot simply wait for it to go away. If the problem is ignored, it will most likely grow worse over time, wreaking havoc on your overall health. In short, it is best to take whatever measures you can to have sleep apnea diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

What Can You Do to Treat Sleep Apnea?

There are a few measures you can take at home to manage your sleep apnea. For one thing, losing weight can sometimes help; it can reduce the amount of tissue in the airway, thus making obstructions less likely to occur. On top of that, some patients may benefit from changing their sleeping position. Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help keep your airways open.

Of course, if you truly want to ensure that your sleep apnea is properly addressed, you should seek a professional form of treatment. Traditionally, this means using a CPAP machine. However, if this option is too noisy or uncomfortable for you, it may be worth talking to a sleep dentist about getting an oral appliance – a simple, comfortable device that can help you maintain an open airway throughout the night.

Ignoring sleep apnea is never the right call. If you have noticed any warning signs that could point toward sleep disordered breathing, now is the time to reach out to a sleep apnea expert and start exploring your options for treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack keeps a close eye on the latest advancements in sleep dentistry. She is fully dedicated to helping patients suffering from sleep apnea find relief with the help of oral appliances that have been carefully customized just for them. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Romack at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.