While we’ve all experienced the problems associated with a poor night’s sleep, there are many who have become accustomed to living with a severe lack of sleep on a regular basis. Sleeping problems, ranging from sleep apnea to insomnia, sleep deprivation, and beyond, affect millions of people in the US and can cause serious health problems over time.
How do we categorize a sleep disorder? There are a wide variety of sleep disorders, also known as somnipathy, and the definition can vary from patient to patient, depending on the case. When most people think of sleep disorders, they’re thinking about a category of disorders called Dyssomnias, which are characterized by insomnia (lack of sleep) or hypersomnia (too much sleep). These disorders, which include snoring, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, upper airway syndrome, and others, is caused by environmental conditions, internal body mechanisms, and/or disruptions of one’s circadian rhythms.
The treatment of sleep disorders will vary depending on the case, but one of the common treatments for sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea, is an oral appliance, which prevents the airway from collapsing by supporting the jaw in a forward position. The appliances achieve this effect by slightly advancing the lower jaw, which moves the base of the tongue forward and opens the airway to allow improved breathing, as well as reduced snoring and apneas.
If you’re concerned that you might be suffering from a sleep disorder, complete our sleep screener to help us diagnose the problem and get you started on the road to a better night’s sleep.
If you have any questions about sleep disorder treatment or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.