Discover How a Nap May Not Help if You Suffer from Sleep Apnea in Friendswood

Everyone loves a nice, long afternoon nap. To just lie back on the couch with your feet propped up and take a snooze for a few hours is something most people thoroughly enjoy. But is it really allowing you to rest, especially if you have sleep apnea in Friendswood? If you’re still waking up tired and feeling as if you never slept at all, it could be that your disorder is keeping you from enjoying this type of relaxation.  

What is Sleep Apnea?

When you are asleep at night, and you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more, you are experiencing what is known as sleep apnea. This affects millions of adults in the United States each year. When your airway becomes blocked, it can make it difficult and nearly impossible to pump air to your lungs. This can cause you to wake suddenly during the night and gasp for air. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Chronic fatigue
• Irritability
• Elevated blood pressure
• Sore throat or dry mouth
• Morning headaches
• Inability to focus or experiencing memory loss

Does it Affect My Ability to Take Naps?

We know, you’re exhausted, and a nap would be so beneficial. If you’ve already had a sleep study in Friendswood and been diagnosed with sleep apnea, and you’re using some method of treatment to help with it, napping may do you more harm than good. This is because, without your CPAP or oral appliance or any other type of sleep apnea solution, you will be more likely to experience the effects of sleep apnea (snoring, stopped breathing).

While napping for the regular person who doesn’t suffer from sleep apnea can be beneficial in helping to reenergize and improve one’s mood, for those with sleep apnea, it can worsen symptoms.

What Kinds of Treatment are Available?

The CPAP has been known to be the most common type of sleep apnea treatment. However, more and more dentists are leaning toward oral appliance therapy because of their patient’s dislike for the CPAP. The bulky and uncomfortable contraption makes it difficult for some people to adjust to wearing it throughout the night.

Instead, oral appliance therapy looks like a customized mouthguard. Crafted for comfort, it moves the jaw forward slightly, keeping your throat muscles constricted and your airway open during the night.

If napping is a part of life you miss, and it’s due to your sleep apnea diagnosis, talk to your doctor about beneficial treatment options. You can start getting the rest you need, even enjoying a nice, long nap every now and then.

About the Practice
At Friendswood Dental, we see and treat many patients who suffer from sleep apnea. Surprised to learn their dentist can help, our dental professionals will work to provide the highest quality care, using advanced techniques to ensure you receive positive and lasting results. To learn more about how we can help, contact us via our website or by calling (281) 482-2631.