Sleep Apnea Solutions that Actually Work

Your sleep apnea disrupts the circadian rhythms of you and those around you. When everyone in the house wakes up cranky, it’s hard not to feel like you’re cursed. So you decide to look into sleeping pills. Should be a pretty straightforward solution, right? Except others say you’re still snoring, and now you’re even more irritated than before!  

You’re not crazy, and your housemates aren’t hearing things. Studies show that sleeping pills could make your sleep apnea worse!  Keep reading to find out why, and how to solve the root of your problem.

Why Won’t Sleeping Pills Treat my Sleep Apnea?

The reason you might not feel more restful even after taking sleeping pills has to do with what’s causing your sleep apnea. There are two different types, but by far the most common one is obstructive sleep apnea. When you have obstructive sleep apnea, your oral tissue is too loose. It obstructs your airways while you snooze – which doesn’t suffocate you, but does cause symptoms like snoring and repeated waking.

As with many medications, sleeping pills target your brain chemistry. In short, they’re designed to shut off the switches in your brain that trigger wakefulness. Under normal circumstances, this allows you to complete full REM cycles and feel rested. Many sleeping pills also relax your body to help ease you into dreamland more quickly. Makes sense so far, right?

What do you think happens when your already loose oral tissues relax? If you thought “oh. They would obstruct my airways more,” you are absolutely correct. It’s no mystery why many sleep apnea victims experience intensified snoring when they take sleeping pills. The problem is that your symptoms are tied to your oral tissues, not your brain!

Will I Ever Escape my Sleep Apnea?

Fortunately, yes! There are sleep apnea treatments that actually target your loose oral tissues. You might be surprised to know that your dentist is the person to see.

Since this form of insomnia involves oral tissue, many dentists have added sleep apnea solutions to their list of services.

• CPAP machines pump continuous air through your airways, which brushes aside loose oral tissue and helps you breathe easily.
• Special oral appliances can shift your jaw’s position forward, thus encouraging oral tissue to follow and move out of the way.
• NightLase therapy uses a mild laser to warm up your oral tissue. This makes them contract, tightening until they’re no longer obstructing your airway.

You might have noticed that NightLase therapy is technically the only option that affects your oral tissue directly. While both CPAP machines and oral appliances are also effective, NightLase has an incredibly high success rate. Many patients appreciate that it doesn’t require them to wear an appliance at night. 

Not sure which sleep apnea treatment option you should pursue? Call your dentist! They’ll assess your symptoms and oral situation, then work with you to find a solution that suits your preferences, habits, and needs. If you do know which treatment you’re interested in, then what are you waiting for? Let your dentist know that you’re ready for a full night’s rest.

About the Author

Dr. Sierra is an accomplished dentist who actively pursues continuing education and invests in the latest dental technologies. That’s why he’s laser dentistry certified and trained in NightLase treatment! You couldn’t be in better hands for sleep apnea solutions. To schedule a consult, call Friendswood Dental Group at 281-482-2631. Dr. Sierra would be happy to help you improve your quality of life!