Sleep Deprivation – How Visiting the Dentist Can Help

Being tired is something that happens to all of us, and a cup of coffee or a nap will usually solve the problem. However, sleep deprivation is much more serious. This issue occurs due to weeks, months, or even years of inadequate sleep. While spending one or two days feeling sleepy is uncomfortable, serious sleep deprivation has much more severe consequences. If you’re concerned you may be suffering from sleep deprivation, it’s important that you seek appropriate help. In some cases, the causes of sleep deprivation can be addressed with help from your caring dentist.

What Causes Sleep Deprivation?

There are many causes for sleep apnea, including:

• Demanding schedules leading to lack of sleep
• Insomnia
• Restless leg syndrome
• Certain medications
• Consumption of caffeine and stimulants
• Sleep position and environment

One of the most common causes of sleep deprivation is obstructive sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when people stop breathing for ten or more seconds at a time during sleep. To restart breathing, the mind triggers a panic response that wakens the sleeper. Patients who suffer with chronic, obstructive sleep apnea are unable to reach the deep, restoring level of sleep they need to wake feeling rejuvenated. This can often lead to severe sleep deprivation if the disorder is not addressed with appropriate treatment.

How Can a Dentist Help with Sleep Apnea?

If you’re struggling with sleep deprivation caused by obstructive sleep apnea, a skilled dentist can help you to improve both quantity and quality of sleep. Your dentist can craft a custom oral appliance that will adjust the position of the jaw in order to put pressure on the throat muscles and keep the airway open and unobstructed during sleep. This ensures patients are able to sleep soundly an uninterrupted through the night. Oral appliance therapy may be a viable alternative to CPAP treatment for patients who struggle to adjust to this therapy.

Meet Dr. Dernick

Skilled sleep dentist, Robert G. Dernick, DDS, offers patients customized treatment plans for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. When you use a custom oral appliance regularly, you can sleep and breathe deeply through the night and wake feeling rested every morning. If you’re ready to get started improving your quantity and quality of sleep, call The Woodlands sleep dentist, Dr. Dernick, and his dental team to schedule a consultation today. We look forward to helping you get the deep, rejuvenating sleep you need.