Sleep Testing
Sleep issues these days are rampant, with 70% of adults in the US reporting trouble sleeping at least one day of the month. And while these restless nights can be caused by any number of factors, it’s also easy to overlook some of the more common culprits.
Sleep testing is a way for healthcare providers to understand more about an individual’s breathing patterns. A qualified dentist can determine whether it’s an obstruction that’s keeping a patient up at night and, if so, what kind of Oral Appliance Therapy they would benefit from.
The Facts of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea, one that refers to a blockage of air after the tissues of your throat constrict at night. Dental Sleep Medicine is a field that’s expanded over the years because it offers customized solutions to patients who want to get a better night’s sleep. With testing, a dentist will look at oxygen levels and breathing efforts and track the data over time.
In this case, the dentist doesn’t take the place of a sleep physician, but they can work with a physician to come up with a treatment protocol. The plan will need to actively address a patient’s OSA or any other muscle irregularities while asleep.
Why Get Sleep Tested?
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it might be time for a test:
- A partner complains of excessive or loud snoring.
- A partner has noticed that your breath pauses at night or you’ve recorded irregular breathing patterns.
- You’re constantly tired during the day.
- You wake up gasping or with a sore throat.
- You have frequent headaches in the morning.
- Your blood pressure is high.
- You have difficulty concentrating or excessive mood swings.
Find a Sleep Testing Dentist
They understand how the tissues can be moved so that air can flow freely again. Dentists also prioritize solutions that integrate with your lifestyle, meaning they’ll typically start people off with an easy-to-use oral appliance (e.g., a mouthguard or retainer). If you’re looking for sleep testing that can change your world for the better, we’re here to help.