Every night, millions of Americans miss out on countless hours of sleep because of sleep apnea; and even worse, many more cases go completely undiagnosed! That said, sleep apnea is a serious epidemic and can actually lead to some serious health complications if left untreated. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be treated—but does it ever simply go away on its own? Here’s more about sleep apnea and what can cause the condition, whether or not it can go away on its own, and what you can do to improve your symptoms.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The most common type of sleep apnea is called OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) and is characterized by blockage in your airway while you’re asleep. When it happens, your body is forced to wake up and normalize your breathing pattern, causing you to miss out on deep sleep. It’s often associated with chronic snoring. There are a few possible causes behind this, including but not limited to:
- Weight gain (excess fat around the neck or chest cavity).
- Underlying anatomy such as big tonsils or a large tongue.
- Sleeping on your back.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
Will Sleep Apnea Go Away on Its Own?
If you’re hoping that your sleep apnea will simply clear up on its own after a while, you’re out of luck. Although the symptoms of sleep apnea can be treated, usually with the help of oral appliances or CPAP machines, sleep apnea itself is a chronic condition that cannot be cured entirely. Human anatomy tends to remain fixed, especially after the teenage years. However, sleep apnea in children can sometimes be successfully cured if addressed early on, through means such as tonsil extraction or orthodontic therapy.
How Can I Improve My Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
Luckily, there are many different things you can do to reduce the severity, or even the mere presence, of your sleep apnea symptoms. Consider the following:
- Seek treatment for your sleep apnea – If you’re able to receive a diagnosis from a sleep doctor, treatment options include oral appliances, lip and tongue ties, CPAP machines, and more. All are able to effectively manage sleep apnea symptoms and increase the quality of your rest.
- Manage your weight – Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, vitamin-rich diet. Also avoid foods with excess amounts of sugar and drink plenty of water.
- Establish a bedtime routine – Try to limit the number of distractions that occur around bedtime, and make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature and darkness.
- Seek treatment for your allergies – If seasonal allergies are causing your sleep disruption, some over-the-counter allergy medicines can be used. You should also try to limit the amount of pet dandruff in your bedroom, if applicable—your furry friends can also trigger your allergies!
Your sleep apnea won’t simply go away on its own; but that doesn’t mean you’re helpless against it! By seeking treatment and knowing how to manage your symptoms, you can ensure that you’re getting a good night’s sleep every night.
About the Practice
Ascot Aesthetic Implants & Dentistry proudly serves patients and families in the Fayetteville, NC area under the leadership of Dr. Angela C. Ruff. Dr. Ruff completed her dental doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Her practice is pleased to offer many available services, including sleep apnea treatment. If you have any questions about sleep apnea or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact Dr. Ruff through her practice’s website or by phone: (910) 630-6199.