Michael Piccione, DDS Blog

Strange things sometimes happen when we’re asleep. We may wake up to find that we’ve kicked off the bed covers, twisted ourselves into a strange position, or ended up on the floor. Some resting behaviors are more of a cause for concern than for chuckling, however. Drooling is one example. In some cases, it can be a sign that you’re suffering from sleep apnea in Sunnyvale. If you suspect this problem, then you should see a qualified sleep dentist or other healthcare professional right away.

Sleep apnea in Sunnyvale is a serious condition that many sufferers may not know they have. Left untreated, it can grow worse over time, contributing to health problems like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. The good news is that most cases of sleep apnea can be treated successfully. See a sleep dentist or other healthcare professional if you suspect you’re dealing with this common problem. The consequences of ignoring the issue are too great to risk.

Dying for a Good Night’s Rest

Most of us spend about one third of our lives asleep. It’s a mistake to think of those hours as wasted time. In reality, sleep is essential for health and well-being. It’s a time during which your body and brain recharge themselves, expel toxins from your system, and repair damage suffered throughout the previous day. A good night’s sleep tonight sets the stage for ongoing success tomorrow.

Unfortunately, some people are suffering from a condition that impairs the quality of their rest. It’s called sleep apnea. Here’s how it does its dirty work:

• When an apnea sufferer sleeps, the tissues in and around the throat close around each other, impairing regular breathing.
• This forces the patient to wake up, usually for only a fleeting moment. But this can happen hundreds of times during the night. Since the awakening occurs so quickly, the person usually has no memory of it.
• As a result, the person is unable to reach the stage of deep, refreshing sleep that’s so important for all of us to achieve. The sufferer stumbles through the next day, half awake and highly stressed.

For many apnea sufferers, this pattern reoccurs night after night, sometimes for years. Not only does this impact the person’s quality of life, it can also increase their risk of early mortality. When the body endures stress for too long, something has to give. It’s only a matter of time.

Help Is Available

Most health professionals in the US are trained to look for the typical warning signs of sleep apnea. This includes your dentist in Sunnyvale. Here’s what he or she can do to help you enjoy better rest:

• Perform a complete oral exam. Your dentist can check for telltale signs of apnea, such as loose or excess tissue in the throat or symptoms of teeth grinding.
• Provide a referral for a sleep study. This is the only reliable way to diagnose the problem. You will spend the night in a comfortable residential-type setting while skilled sleep technicians monitor your rest. Some locations also offer take-home kits you can use in your own residence.
• Design or authorize an anti-apnea mouthguard. These are a popular alternative to CPAP masks that many apnea patients prefer. Not only do they help keep the airway open, they also guard against bruxism, which can cause a wide array of oral health issues.

Sleep apnea is nothing to take lightly. See your dentist or other healthcare providers soon if you suspect you’re suffering from this problem. You’ll soon be on your way to deeper sleep and happier, more fulfilling days. We wish you lots of happy smiles for all of years to come.

About the Practice

The team at Dr. Michael Piccione, DDS is trained in a wide array of dental and oral health services, including sleep apnea treatment. They offer a friendly-friendly environment and take many forms of dental coverage. You can reach their office online or by calling (912) 445-2903.

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