Snoring, Sleep Apnea and How You Can Sleep Better With Laser Sleep Treatments
- Hygge Laser Dentistry
- Feb 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26
Do you often wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Have family members mentioned that your snoring disrupts their rest? If so, you may be a candidate for professional laser sleep treatments at Hygge Laser Dentistry and Airway Center in Ballard, Seattle. Dr. Gordon offers personalized evaluations and solutions tailored to your unique needs and symptoms, helping you achieve better sleep and improved overall health.
Snoring May Be A Sign Of Sleep Apnea
Occasional snoring may result from poor sleep habits or an unfavorable sleeping position. In many cases, improving your bedtime routine and posture can help keep your airways open and reduce snoring.
However, frequent and loud snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. This can lead to daytime fatigue and difficulty falling asleep at night, creating a frustrating cycle that impacts both sleep quality and overall health.
If you suspect you may have OSA, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider trained in sleep disorders. Left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of serious health issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your sleep and long-term well-being.
How Snoring Affects Your Dental Health
You may be wondering what your dentist has to do with your sleep habits. This disorder can hurt your physical, mental, and even your oral health. Snoring disrupts rest with the snorer often being completely unaware. In the morning, you may feel sluggish, and irritable, and may even have an increased feeling of anxiety. You may also be breathing through your mouth to get more oxygen. As a result, you may have problems with dry mouth, which can actually lead to an increased susceptibility to cavities and gum disease.
Snoring May Be A Sign Of Sleep Apnea
Occasional snoring may result from poor sleep habits or an unfavorable sleeping position. In many cases, improving your bedtime routine and posture can help keep your airways open and reduce snoring.
However, frequent and loud snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. This can lead to daytime fatigue and difficulty falling asleep at night, creating a frustrating cycle that impacts both sleep quality and overall health.
If you suspect you may have OSA, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider trained in sleep disorders. Left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of serious health issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your sleep and long-term well-being.
A Simple Solution For These Problems
Managing sleep-related disorders may be simpler than you think. As mentioned earlier, making small adjustments to your bedtime habits can lead to noticeable improvements in your symptoms. Reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco use may enhance sleep quality. Additionally, changing your sleep position—particularly avoiding sleeping on your back—can help keep your airways open. Sleeping on your side is often more effective for reducing snoring.
You may also want to consult your dentist about an oral appliance. This custom-made device, worn while you sleep, helps maintain an open airway by properly positioning your jaw and tongue. In addition to reducing snoring, it may also alleviate symptoms of bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, providing multiple benefits for your oral and sleep health.
Schedule An Appointment Today
If you suffer from snoring or sleep apnea, and think you may benefit from Laser Sleep Treatments, we are here for you and would love to help you sleep better. Schedule an appointment online today with our team of sleep experts at Hygge Laser Dentistry and Airway Center in Ballard, Seattle, WA, or call us at 206-789-2555.