Whether you know if you have sleep apnea or not, you may buy into the myth that sleeping pills can help you get the rest you need. This is not true, and it’s important that you learn why. Before going to the drugstore and spending your money on this kind of product, learn how it can sabotage your sleep and what you should do instead.
What is the Problem with Sleeping Pills?
Taking sleeping pills now and then might seem harmless, but if you have sleep apnea, they can worsen your symptoms and essentially sabotage your nightly rest.
While it’s true these products can help you relax and make it easier to fall asleep, this level of comfort can be problematic if you are prone to periods of lapsed breathing. They can cause the soft oral tissues inside the mouth and throat to collapse, creating a blockage. As a result, those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) will stop breathing until the brain triggers the body to wake up.
What Can You Do to Get Better Sleep?
The most effective thing you can do to get better sleep is to meet with a qualified professional. Finding someone with the knowledge and training to treat OSA will ensure your symptoms lessen over time.
After completing a sleep study and receiving a formal diagnosis for sleep apnea, your dentist can recommend a custom oral appliance. This device, when worn properly, moves the jaw forward just enough so that the soft oral tissues do not fall back and cause a blockage.
Instead of waking up repeatedly throughout the night because you cannot breathe, you will begin to get the rest you need to enjoy better overall health over time.
Other ways to improve your sleep without pills include:
- Making your bedroom an ideal place for restful sleep. This includes using blackout curtains, keeping the room cool, and using white noise.
- Meditating, stretching, or taking a warm shower a few hours before going to bed.
- Exercising early in the day and maintaining a healthy diet. Also, avoid caffeine later in the day.
- Avoiding screens at least one hour before bed so that you are not exposed to blue light.
Whether it’s lifestyle changes, seeing a sleep dentist, or a combination of both, you can expect to start getting better rest, all without sleeping pills.
About Grand Dental – Lockport
Grand Dental – Lockport is pleased to have dental experts on staff who understand the struggles associated with sleep apnea and know how to treat it. Working closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans, our team can create custom oral appliances to make airflow easier, ultimately improving one’s sleep patterns over time. If you need help getting better rest, visit our website or call (815) 240-8068 and let us help.