Losing sleep now and then is to be expected. It is common for many people to get the occasional bout of restlessness. If most of your sleep seems to restful than the sleeplessness from time to time is probably not a problem. Good sleep can let you reap several benefits, like a happier mood, a better memory, more productivity, and better health overall. For some people, a full night of sleep that seems uninterrupted can still result in tiredness. When you feel like you are losing sleep, it may be time to consider what could be causing your lack of rest. Could obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) be the source of your lost sleep?
How Does OSA Affect Your Sleep?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues of your mouth and throat collapse to block your airway during sleep. When the airway is blocked and your breathing ceases, your body will wake up to restart the flow of oxygen to the lungs and brain. These small moments of waking up can occur so briefly that you may not remember them, but your body will feel the effects. OSA can prevent you from achieving deep sleep because it can cause you to wake up hundreds of times during the night to start breathing again.
Ways To Improve Sleep
To keep you breathing through the night by preventing the collapse of your soft tissues, your dentist can prescribe the use of an oral device. If obstructive sleep apnea is not the cause of your loss of sleep, there may be other causes related to your oral health. If you frequently experience jaw pain or headaches, you could be grinding your teeth while you sleep. Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, may not always affect your sleep, but it can damage your teeth and jaw, and chronic headaches and pain.
Do you need help getting better sleep?
Dr. Carmona may be able to help you determine why you are losing sleep. To schedule a consultation at Austin Prosthodontics, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
