If you have sleep apnea or a sleep disorder that is affecting your sleep quality, it is also affecting your daily quality of life. From feeling tired and distracted to lacking energy as the day goes on to really enjoy activities, sleep apnea can often lead to a loss of joy in everyday life.
Although the commonly recognized symptoms of sleep apnea have been documented for centuries, it was only in the mid-twentieth century that scientific research on sleep disorders began in earnest. By the 1970s the technology that became the CPAP was being developed. This marked the beginning of what is now a growing area of treatment as patients became more easily diagnosed. As studies continued, the evidence would show that the airway played a significant role in sleep apnea and the field of dentistry became a part of the solution.
Dr. Harper has completed many hours of advanced study in the treatment of sleep apnea and sleep-related disorders. As a dentist, he understands the structure of the airway and surrounding tissues. Dr. Harper can work with you to coordinate a sleep study if needed and to explore possible treatment options depending on the severity of your symptoms and overall health condition. For many, the use of an oral appliance can resolve the symptoms of sleep apnea and facilitate improved breathing.
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea addresses the common cause of symptoms: an obstructed airway. Designed to push the lower jaw forward, your custom oral appliance will help to prevent soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing into your airway. This leads to the repeated cessation of normal breathing throughout sleep, often resolved with a loud snore or gasping for air. When the lower jaw is positioned properly it allows the tongue to relax in a normal position in the mouth and not slip back into the airway. When the airway remains open, you can continue to breathe with ease!
Treating sleep apnea will restore your health and overall wellness. You can get back to getting “restful” sleep, waking to feel rejuvenated. Restful sleep is what our bodies need to give us energy for both mental and physical activity throughout the day.
If yu have concerns about your sleep or are feeling less energetic snd more irritable during the day, schedule a sleep apnea screening with Dr. Harper. It could be the solution to better health and quality of life.
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