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How Are Summertime & Sleep Apnea Connected?

July 7, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — drnossa @ 7:45 pm

Man sleeping in hammock during summer after visiting his Gainesville dentistThe sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and summertime is finally here! While the sunny months ahead can be fun filled, they may keep you from sleeping well. It may not be apparent to you right away, but this season can make living with sleep apnea much more difficult. Read on as your Gainesville dentist explains how this time of year can affect your sleep apnea and what you can do to get a restful summer.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

As you fall asleep, your muscles relax. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes the throat muscles to relax so much that they fail to keep the airway open. This blockage hinders your breathing while you sleep and usually causes:

  • Repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night, lasting several seconds or minutes.
  • Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking.
  • Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating.
  • Bruxism (nightly teeth grinding), dry mouth, or sore throat.
  • Loud snoring.

Why Is It Important to Treat Sleep Apnea?

Since sleep apnea occurs while you sleep, it can be difficult to identify if you don’t have a sleeping partner who notices your symptoms. However, treating this sleeping condition is essential to your quality of life as well as your overall health. Adequate amounts of deep sleep play a key role in keeping your whole body healthy. Not only does sleep apnea keep you from feeling energized and refreshed in the morning, but it can cause teeth grinding, a spike in cavities, and inability to perform well during daily life. Over time, it can result in high blood pressure, heart problems, liver issues, diabetes, and a higher risk of serious car accidents.

How Can Summer Influence My Sleep Apnea?

During summertime, a few factors can cause your sleep apnea symptoms to become more pronounced, like:

  • Reduced amount of sleep: The days are longer in summer, so it’s natural to stay up later. However, sleep apnea may disrupt the deep sleep that you need to recover, causing you to feel even more fatigued the next day.
  • More time outdoors: It’s the perfect time of year to spend outside. Unfortunately, this exposes you to allergens that can cause nasal congestion and worsened sleep apnea.
  • Travelling: Sleeping in a new place after a day of travelling can contribute to your restless nights. This is especially true if you’re experiencing a new time zone!

Can My Gainesville Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Thankfully, your Gainesville dentist has the specialized training and experience needed to help you reclaim your good night’s rest. If you think you may have sleep apnea, they can help you identify tell-tale symptoms with a quick oral exam. Once you’ve received a diagnosis from your general practitioner, they can fit you with a custom-made oral appliance that can protect your airways while you sleep peacefully.

Don’t spend summer in a groggy haze. Start your journey to overcoming sleep apnea and catching up on your rest with a quick trip to see your Gainesville dentist.

About the Author

Dr. Gabriel Nossa and his talented team in Gainesville, FL don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to health. Instead, they take the time to work with each patient and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique goals. Whether you want to restore your smile or regain your sleep, he has the skills, technology, and experience needed to help you overcome your obstacles. If you have more questions about managing your sleep apnea, he encourages you to contact him via his website or at (352) 332-8133.

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