Silent nights may seem like an impossibility when you are, or are living with, a loud snorer. We throw around funny phrases like “sawing logs”, “sleeping like a freight train”, etc. While it’s fun to tease, it’s less fun if you are the one suffering from a severe lack of sleep! That’s why sleep apnea treatment in Plano is so important to so many of our patients!
We can actually save your life with this treatment because while snoring seems innocent, it can actually be a sign of something much more sinister: sleep apnea.
A Deadly Sleeping Giant Could Be Behind Your Snoring
Snoring happens when the tissues at the back of your throat vibrate as your breathe, causing a snoring sound. For most people, that’s all snoring really is. However, there is a significant number of people who are dealing with sleep apnea.
Because you are asleep when apneic episodes happen, it’s very difficult to self-diagnose. However, your spouse or sleeping partner might be able to give you some insights. They would notice if you stop breathing or begin gasping multiple times during the night. Other things to look for include:
- Feeling tired after a night’s rest
- Falling asleep while reading or watching television
- Feeling sleepy while you drive
- Waking up with a sore throat or headache
- Waking up with a very dry mouth
If you are experiencing any or several of these symptoms, it’s time to sit down with Dr. Barfield to discuss the probability that you are dealing with sleep apnea. We work closely with a specialist who can assess your sleep patterns and diagnose sleep apnea, if applicable.
How to Get Your Silent Night Once and For All
Once you have a diagnosis of sleep apnea, we can work with you to develop a treatment that works for you and your family. An oral appliance is a great option for most of our sleep apnea patients. This appliance fits over your teeth much like an athletic mouthguard. It will gently push your lower jaw forward, which will hold your airway open as you sleep comfortably.
In cases of severe apnea, our sleep specialist might recommend a CPAP or a combination of the two options for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Don’t wait to take care of this issue. If you are a loud snorer, call 972-905-9266 today to schedule an appointment at our office. We will help you assess what is going on and plan next steps. Even if it turns out that your snoring is just snoring, we can create a mouthguard that will address that symptom, and your entire household will thank you.
This is especially true during the holidays when you are traveling to visit loved ones. Having your snoring under control will make you feel much more comfortable being (or having) a houseguest!
Call today and discover the sleep apnea treatment in Plano that will work for you!
