According to the best Dentist in Woodlands
Texas, people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea experience disturbed
sleep along with lower levels of oxygen in their blood. Men and women who have
been diagnosed with sleep apnea run the risk of developing heart disease,
hypertension and memory and mood problems because of oxygen starvation and
disrupted sleep. Those who have sleep apnea are also more apt to become involved
in a car accident.
Sleep apnea could be life threatening, and if
you suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it is imperative that
you schedule an appointment with your Woodlands Dentist.
Your Dentist in Woodlands works with other
physicians who are experts when it comes to sleep apnea. When you schedule an
appointment with your Woodlands Dentist, he will ask you how you have been
sleeping and other questions regarding your sleep habits. If Dr. Dernick
believes that you may have a problem sleeping he may schedule a sleep study,
which usually requires an overnight stay, in order to determine if you are
suffering from sleep apnea.
During the sleep study, your functions will
be closely monitored while you are asleep. Those monitoring your study will
check your sleep state, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, blood oxygen
levels, respiratory efforts, and airflow. If your Dentist in Woodlands and his attending
physicians diagnose sleep apnea Dr. Dernick will fabricate oral appliances that
are custom made to fit.
The custom-made oral appliances from your Woodlands
Dentist will help you sleep better avoiding some of the medical and emotional problems
that go along with sleep apnea and are much more comfortable than traditional
sleep apnea devices such as a continuous positive airway pressure device, otherwise
known as a CPAP.
Your Dentist in Woodlands recommends lifestyle
changes that could alleviate some of the symptoms of sleep apnea. These
include:
- Weight loss
- Cutting down on alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back
