Sleep Apnea Treatment in Windermere, Edmonton
At Viva Dental Wellness, our Windermere dentist understands the gravity of restful sleep for your overall health, and we’re here to help if sleep apnea in Windermere, Edmonton, is impacting your quality of sleep. While we often ensure our children get enough rest, adults tend to overlook their own sleep needs, prioritizing responsibilities over proper rest. However, poor sleeping times can have serious consequences on both mental and physical health.
The Importance of Restful Sleep
We all know the feeling of being tired and longing for a nap, but many of us don’t realize the importance of quality sleep. During sleep, essential bodily processes occur—such as forming neurological pathways and preparing for the day ahead. Lack of sleep can impair memory, affect emotional regulation, and reduce concentration. It can also pave the way to some physical symptoms, such as headaches, a dry throat, and persistent fatigue, even if you think you’ve had enough rest.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is the main cause of chronic exhaustion. It occurs when your breathing is blocked during sleep. There are normally two types of sleep apnea:
- Central Sleep Apnea: This happens when the brain fails to send the correct signals to your muscles to initiate breathing.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This condition is caused by a blockage in the airway, often resulting from the collapse of throat tissues while you sleep, leading to breathing pauses and severe snoring.
People with sleep apnea condition are at an elevated risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It’s not just limited to adults—children can also suffer from sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
If you’re concerned about your sleep quality, it’s essential to begin with improving your sleep hygiene. This includes reducing light exposure an hour before bed, avoiding screens, and ensuring your to-do list is complete to minimize anxiety before sleep. If snoring or breathing interruptions are affecting your sleep, it’s time to speak with your dentist.
At Viva Dental Wellness, we can refer you for a sleep study to assess whether you have sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, we offer treatment options, including:
- Mandibular Repositioning Devices (MRD): A custom oral appliance designed to position the jaw in a way that keeps the airway open, ideal for those with obstructive sleep apnea.
- CPAP Machines: These devices blow a continuous stream of air into your airways to prevent them from collapsing while you sleep.
If you think you might have sleep apnea or if you’re experiencing symptoms like chronic snoring or tiredness, book an appointment with us today. We’re here to help you get the rest you deserve!