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There’s nothing like a restful night’s sleep to revitalize your body and mind. But if you are living with sleep apnea or a snoring issue, peaceful slumber may be hard to come by. The dental care specialists at Schaible Dental Group in Saint Peters, MO, specialize in dental treatments for such problems. Here, they provide four tips to counteract these common issues. 

4 Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea & Snoring 

1. Change Positions

If snoring is the issue, try changing your body position. When you lay on your back, your tongue and soft palate collapse to the back wall of your throat, causing you to snore. Sleeping on your side can help prevent this. You can also use a body pillow for support to keep you from rolling onto your back. Another idea is to tape tennis balls to the back of your pajamas. If the snoring continues, see a doctor to check for obstructive sleep apnea. 

2. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene 

Practicing good sleep habits, or sleep “hygiene,” can also help prevent snoring. Turn off all the lights and electronic devices in the room, and ensure the bedroom is cool and comfortable. Avoid drinking alcohol before bed as well. Both alcohol and poor sleep habits can impede the quality of your sleep. Often, you’ll sleep hard and deep for short stints, frequently waking up during the night. This means you’ll feel overly tired during the day. 

3. CPAP 

sleep apneaSleep apnea is a more serious issue than snoring and may require a specialized device. Continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) is the most-used treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP is a machine that covers your nose and mouth, supplying a constant stream of air to keep your breathing passages open as you sleep. Although CPAP machines were once uncomfortable and noisy, advanced technology has led to lighter, quieter, and more comfortable machines.

4. Dental Devices 

Dental devices can help with snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. Most fit inside your mouth, similar to an athletic mouth guard. Some fit around your head and chin, supporting your lower jaw. The two most common devices are the mandibular repositioning device and tongue retaining device. Both bring your lower jaw and tongue forward to open your airway. If you use one of these, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly to monitor its effectiveness and ensure the piece is properly fitted. 

If you’re concerned about snoring or sleep apnea, the dental care team at Schaible Dental Group may be able to help. With locations in St. Louis and St. Peters, they’re known as one of the area’s most caring and knowledgeable practices. In addition to dental devices, they also provide implants and emergency care. Call (636) 279-1633 for Saint Peters or (314) 355-5700 for Saint Louis to schedule an appointment. 

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