Making the right decision about the sleep apnea alternative treatment we have starts with getting the right information. Before we can help you find the treatment that’s right for you, we want you to separate fact from fiction.
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Folks with this condition actually stop breathing while they sleep. Some estimates say this can happen up to 400 times in a night. These interruptions can last for up to 30 seconds. Breaking up your sleep cycle this way usually leaves you fatigued the following day.
There are some excellent sleep apnea alternative treatment solutions.
Mandibular advancement device (MAD)
These look a lot like the mouth guards that are used by athletes in contact sports. They fit over your top and bottom teeth to slightly ease your jaw forward while you sleep.
It’s important to consider these treatments if you suffer from sleep apnea. One of the other myths that we hear quite often is that this issue isn’t really a big deal. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.
All interruptions in your normal sleep pattern have consequences. In fact, data points to the fact that if sleep apnea is left untreated, work injuries can occur. In some extreme cases, there are even reports of people suffering strokes and heart attacks.
Tongue Retainers
There are other sleep apnea alternative treatment options like tongue retainers. Dental devices like this one are recommended for people who sleep on their backs and suffer from sleep apnea. Other options include having surgery where some of the soft tissue at the back of your throat is removed.
Patients need to be aware how serious sleep apnea can be and why. Not everyone who comes to see us understands that it can actually block your breathing. This is called obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when the tissues or tonsils block your airway at the back of your throat.
Here’s another myth about sleep apnea that you will want to understand. Lots of people think that only older folks can get it, but it can affect people of any age. Keep in mind you’re more likely to get this if you are a man and you’re overweight. It also tends to run in families.
If you’re looking for innovative sleep apnea alternative treatment choices, come in and see us.