Do you struggle to sleep? Does each night involve tossing and turning, only for you to wake up in the morning feeling unrested? You could have sleep apnea in Baytown, which is an incredibly common disorder that causes a lack of sleep as well as other symptoms like mood swings and weight gain. One of the more surprising side effects is that sleep apnea can negatively impact your immune system. This can be especially dangerous during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why it’s vital to seek out treatment as soon as you notice any telling signs! Read on to learn more about how sleep apnea can weaken your immune system and what your dentist can do to help.
But First, What is Sleep Apnea?
There are multiple types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when your throat muscles relax, blocking your airway. OSA can cause you to stop and start breathing sometimes hundreds of times during the night, leading to poor quality of sleep. It can be hard to notice these breathing cessations because they occur while you’re unconscious, so it’s vital that you and your sleeping partner are able to recognize some of the other usual symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up gasping for breath
- Daytime drowsiness
- Irritability or moodiness
- Trouble focusing
- Waking up with a dry mouth
How Can Lack of Sleep Impact Your Immune System?
While a lack of sleep can cause a variety of problems, including a weakened immune system, which is a serious issue, especially when the Coronavirus is still a risk. Studies show that those who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to catch a virus after being exposed to it. That’s because infection-fighting antibodies and cells typically decrease during sleep deprivation, making it harder to fight off sickness. Ideally, adults should get 7 to 8 hours of solid sleep a night to stay healthy, happy, and of course, rested.
Treatment for Better Rest & Stronger Health
Thankfully, sleep apnea can be treated with an easy to use, comfortable, and effective oral appliance from your dentist. Traditionally, a CPAP machine has been the go-to for sleep apnea therapy, however this bulky and uncomfortable option is often cast away due to its inconvenience. Instead, your dentist can custom make an oral appliance for you to wear at night, which puts your jaw in a position that promotes unblocked airflow. This allows those with sleep apnea to enjoy restful nights with easy breathing. And, best of all, it decreases your risk of a compromised immune system.
Are you ready to take back control of your rest while also strengthening your immune system? Contact your dentist for sleep apnea treatment and start enjoying bedtime.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Dean Hutto was born and raised in Baytown, which is why he takes great pride in helping his community enjoy better sleep and health overall. He understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty, which is why he wants his patients to know some of the risks of sleep apnea. If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, he can be reached through his website and by phone at (281) 688-2104.