This Halloween, Don’t Be Too Afraid to Have Your Sleep Apnea Treated

Halloween is supposed to be a holiday of fun scares, but some people are currently struggling with a much less enjoyable kind of fear: being afraid to pursue sleep apnea treatment. While some reservations are understandable, putting off treatment for too long could end up having truly frightening consequences for your overall health. If you’re dealing with sleep apnea during the Halloween season, here’s why it’s important to have it addressed as soon as you can.

What is Sleep Apnea, and What Happens If It Isn’t Treated?

The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea; it can happen if your airway becomes physically blocked in some way while you’re asleep. An obstruction of the airway can cause your breathing to stop, lowering your blood oxygen level and putting a lot of stress on your body. Your brain will force you to briefly wake up to get some air, thus interrupting the sleep cycle.

Sleep apnea is often associated with snoring and drowsiness, but it can lead to even more dire consequences if it’s left untreated. Specifically, it has been known to lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes; it can also indirectly increase your risk of getting into an accident while driving due to sleep deprivation. In the worst-case scenario, sleep apnea could very well put your life in danger if it isn’t dealt with.

Why You Don’t Need to Be Afraid to Have Sleep Apnea Treated

Some people are reluctant to pursue sleep apnea treatment because they’re afraid that they’ll be told that they need to use a CPAP machine. This device helps prevent airway obstructions by forcing pressurized air into the throat via a mask. It’s not uncommon to worry that the mask may be too uncomfortable or that the device will be too noisy for you to get any sleep.

However, if you speak to a sleep apnea dentist, you may find out that there’s no need to be concerned about the inconveniences of CPAP therapy. Oftentimes, your sleep apnea symptoms can be treated with a personalized oral appliance instead. This simple device can keep your airway clear by moving your lower jaw forward and/or holding your tongue in place. It won’t make any noise, and it can be designed to fit comfortably in your mouth.

Even if it turns out that you do need CPAP therapy, it’s always better to have your sleep apnea treated by a professional than it is to allow yourself to continue to suffer from the effects of the disorder. Getting your sleep apnea under control can significantly improve the state of your health as well as your day-to-day life.

Do you suspect that you may need sleep apnea treatment in the near future? Don’t be afraid to take whatever steps are necessary to enjoy a good night’s rest again. Get in touch with a sleep apnea expert as soon as possible to find out what steps they recommend taking to improve the quality of your slumber.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth A. Mogell is double-board certified in dental sleep medicine, and he has participated in multiple sleep medicine industry events, round tables, and webinars. He always takes the time to make sure that his patients know what their options are when it comes to treating their sleep apnea with oral appliances. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mogell at Florida Dental Sleep Disorders in Melbourne, visit his website or call (844) 686-0696.