If you snore loudly or feel tired even after a solid night's rest, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. This condition affects about 18 million adults in America, making it one of the most common sleep disorders. Read on to understand how this condition can affect you and how it’s treated.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing periodically throughout the night. The most common cause is muscles at the back of the tongue relaxing too much, allowing the tongue to sag into the airway in what’s called obstructive sleep apnea. A person with this disorder may stop breathing multiple times throughout the night and may experience a partially obstructed airway that keeps them from getting enough oxygen.

The Effects of Sleep Apnea

In addition to the alarming implications of having your airway cut off during sleep, sleep apnea causes a range of other health problems. Because it interrupts sleep frequently, it causes ongoing fatigue, which can result in a number of dangerous health conditions including depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart problems. It is also associated with weight gain.

How to Treat Sleep Apnea

If you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, the first step is to have a sleep study done to confirm the diagnosis. Then you should take steps to keep your airway open while sleeping. A doctor may recommend a CPAP machine which you'll wear each night to make sure you're getting enough air. However, if you're looking for something simpler, many patients experience effective results with a mouth guard supplied by their dentist, which slides the jaw forward and keeps the airway from closing.

If you want a mouth guard to treat sleep apnea, visit Coulee Family Dental in La Crosse, WI. Conveniently located at the edge of downtown, this clinic is run by three born-and-raised local dentists. Whether you need a simple teeth cleaning or an emergency dentist, call them at (608) 782-3102 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about their additional dental services.