Self-treating symptoms that you believe are caused by sleep apnea can be dangerous for your health. Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which breathing stops at numerous points while you’re asleep. This leads to increased stress on the body that can result in a host of other conditions—including shortened life expectancy and increased stress and fatigue. Getting diagnosed with a specific type of sleep apnea is paramount to receiving the right treatment. Here are the top reasons why you shouldn’t self-treat for sleep apnea.
Quick Treatment Doesn’t Address the Cause
Products that promise a quick fix for your sleep apnea don’t actually address the problems that are causing the issue. Sleep apnea can have numerous causes. Obesity, anatomy of your throat, high blood pressure, and smoking can all be contributing factors. When you attempt to treat sleep apnea through one of these over-the- counter products, you could even be aggravating an existing condition such as a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. You don’t know what’s causing your sleep apnea without a diagnosis from a sleep physician. By getting an accurate diagnosis, you can move forward with treatment that’s effective and comfortable for your sleep apnea.
You May Not Have Sleep Apnea
When you choose to treat what you think is sleep apnea, you could be attempting to treat a health condition you don’t have. Symptoms of sleep apnea can overlap with those of other conditions. Fatigue and headaches could be the result of depression, insomnia, or stress. Waking up in the night could be a sign of stress rather than sleep apnea. Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea as it indicates an obstructed airway. However, there’s no way you can know for sure if you have one of the three types of sleep apnea without visiting a doctor.
Sleep Apnea Is a Serious Condition
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that should never be treated without the help of your doctor. Once you have a diagnosis, you and your dentist can work to create a solution. Oral sleep appliances are popular choices for sleep apnea treatment due to their comfort and ease of use. Your dentist can fit you with an oral sleep appliance to curb your sleep apnea symptoms. Take sleep apnea seriously— get a diagnosis. Get treatment. Get results!
Get Professional Treatment That Works
Professional treatment for sleep apnea means getting treatment that’s tailored to you to actually work. Your symptoms may change over time, as you may gain or lose weight or even change medications. Changes such as these can affect sleep apnea, so continuing to manage your care is essential. Your dentist can work to fit your appliance and make adjustments as needed during your treatment.
Addressing any dental health problems you have before getting treatment for sleep apnea is also important. Oral health concerns such as gum disease and TMJ disorders could prevent you from getting an oral sleep appliance. Visiting your dentist is crucial to ensure your mouth is healthy and ready for treatment!
Sleep apnea is not a disorder to be taken lightly. This condition requires professional diagnosis and treatment for real results. If you believe you’re suffering from sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. He or she can talk with you about your symptoms and even refer you to a sleep specialist who can help diagnose you.
