Sleep apnea is a very serious and widespread condition—in fact, it’s estimated that as many as 18 million Americans suffer from it, with many more cases remaining completely undiagnosed! But this condition does so much more than rob you of precious sleep; it can lead to serious health complications if left unresolved. That said, if you believe you suffer from sleep apnea, you might be wondering if something as simple as taking sleeping pills can prove useful for alleviating your symptoms. Here’s more from your trusted sleep dentist about sleep apnea and why things like sleeping pills absolutely pale in comparison to professional treatment.
A Closer Look at Sleep Apnea
To put it simply, sleep apnea is a disorder that prevents your body from staying asleep, often due to obstruction or blockage of the airway. This common form of the condition, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes the body to wake up repeatedly throughout the night in order to restore normal breathing patterns. Needless to say, this directly translates into poorer quality of sleep since your body is unable to enter and remain in its deep sleep cycles. The result is impaired physical and mental health, as well as a laundry list of issues including fatigue, hypertension, cardiovascular illness, and even the possibility of diabetes!
Sleeping Pills Don’t Resolve Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Many brands of sleeping pills work by causing the tissues around the airway to relax, thereby suppressing your breathing. Needless to say, this is somewhat counterintuitive to treating sleep apnea, since you want to increase the amount of oxygen within the airway, rather than limit it. You’re also exposing yourself to other types of risks by relying on these medications, including but not limited to:
- Hypertension (heightened blood pressure)
- Cardiovascular complications
- Depression and mood swings
- Increased exhaustion and fatigue
- Memory problems
- Loud(er) snoring
Why Professional Treatment Is the Answer
It’s always going to be in your best interest to opt for professional sleep apnea treatment; sleep dentists have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to correctly identify sleep apnea and create customized treatment plans that perfectly suit the needs of their patients. In some cases, you might have to visit a specialist to receive a diagnosis, but assuming you’re eligible for treatment, possible solutions include the use of a CPAP machine, customized oral appliances like nightguards, lip and tongue ties, and more. All of these methods have been repeatedly proven to be both safe and notably effective for alleviating the symptoms associated with sleep apnea, as they all encourage better airflow, rather than inhibit it.
Relying on sleeping pills to get to bed is never a wise option, especially if you’re suffering from sleep apnea. By seeking the correct form of treatment and learning how to manage the disorder, you can resume enjoying high-quality sleep that translates into happiness and overall healthiness!
About the Author
A Baytown native himself, Dr. Dean Hutto and his talented team at Sleep Better Baytown are excited to offer patients and families in the Baytown, TX community an outstanding level of care! Dr. Hutto received his DDS from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston and is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance. Telephone: (281) 422-8249.