One of the most overlooked causes of poor sleep is obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. This is a common but serious condition that interrupts your breathing while you sleep.
Understanding OSA
Your Madison sleep apnea dentist explains that OSA happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax too much during sleep, temporarily blocking your airway.
These breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night.
The most common symptoms of OSA include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth or headache
- Daytime fatigue or brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings or depression
According to Sweet Dreams Connecticut people don’t realize they have sleep apnea until a partner or family member points it out. But just because it’s hard to detect on your own doesn’t mean it isn’t serious.
How an OSA Dentist Can Help
At Sweet Dreams Connecticut, Dr. Laura Miller offers personalized care for patients suffering from OSA. As a highly experienced Madison OSA dentist, Dr. Miller provides custom-fitted oral appliances along with other solutions designed to gently reposition your jaw while you sleep.
For many patients, oral appliance therapy is a more comfortable and convenient alternative to a CPAP machine and it’s just as effective for treating mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
Why Getting Enough Sleep Matters
Sleep is not a luxury but a vital part of your health. When you aren’t getting enough high-quality sleep, every part of your life can suffer.
Physically, your body doesn’t get the time it needs to repair tissue, balance hormones, and strengthen your immune system. Mentally, sleep deprivation can affect your memory, focus, and emotional well-being.
Long-term untreated OSA has been linked to serious health conditions, including:
- Hypertension
- Heart attack and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cognitive decline and dementia
- Depression and anxiety
So if you’re feeling “off” and can’t explain why, poor sleep due to undiagnosed sleep apnea might be the root cause.
Take the First Step Towards Better Sleep
Still wondering, “Am I getting all the sleep I need?” If you suspect something’s off with your sleep, don’t ignore it. A simple consultation with Dr. Laura Miller could be life-changing.
At Sweet Dreams Connecticut, Dr. Miller will assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and help you take the next steps toward an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
You don’t have to live with constant fatigue or sleepless nights. Reclaim your energy, your focus, and your well-being with the right help.
Start your journey toward better sleep because you deserve to wake up refreshed and ready for life. Schedule an appointment with Sweet Dreams Connecticut today.
