Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax and block your airway. Each time your breathing stops, your brain senses the lack of oxygen and briefly wakes you up to reopen your airway. These awakenings are usually so brief that you don’t remember them, but they prevent you from getting restful sleep.
Many people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it. Dr. Xuanyi Li provides effective sleep apnea treatment in Clarksville, IN, as part of her dental concerns. She can help you get the sleep you need and protect your health.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
You may have sleep apnea if you experience the following symptoms:
- Loud, chronic snoring that often disturbs others
- Morning headaches from lack of oxygen during the night
- Feeling extremely tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Changes in mood, including irritability or depression
- High blood pressure that’s difficult to control
If you notice several of these signs, talk to a healthcare provider. Dr. Li can help determine if your symptoms might be related to sleep apnea.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
While sleep apnea can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk. Being overweight or obese adds pressure on your airway when you lie down. Having a larger neck circumference or excess tissue in the throat can narrow your airway. Men are also two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea than women. Being over 40 years old increases your risk, though sleep apnea can affect people of all ages.
Having a family history of sleep apnea suggests genetic factors may be involved. Smoking irritates your upper airway and can lead to inflammation. Using alcohol or sedatives before bed relaxes the muscles in your throat. Having nasal congestion or anatomical features that make breathing difficult. Knowing your risk factors helps us develop the most effective treatment plan for you.
How Dr. Li Treats Sleep Apnea
At our Clarksville dental practice, Dr. Xuanyi Li specializes in treating sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. This comfortable, non-invasive treatment is an excellent alternative to CPAP machines for many patients.
Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a custom-fitted device in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance works by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open throughout the night. This allows you to breathe normally and sleep peacefully.
The process begins with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms. Dr. Li will then take precise measurements of your teeth to create your personalized oral appliance. Once ready, we’ll ensure it fits perfectly and show you how to use and care for it. Many patients prefer oral appliances because they’re comfortable, silent, portable, easy to maintain, and immediately effective.
Benefits of Treating Your Sleep Apnea
Taking steps to address your sleep apnea can transform your life:
- Improved sleep quality means you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and energized
- Better daytime alertness and concentration help you perform better at work or school
- Reduced risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
- Lower blood pressure, as treating sleep apnea often helps improve hypertension
- Enhanced mood and reduced symptoms of depression or irritability
- Less snoring, which can improve relationships with your sleeping partner
- More energy for activities you enjoy
When you treat sleep apnea, you’re not just addressing a sleep problem; you’re investing in your overall health.
Why Choose Dr. Xuanyi Li for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Dr. Li has extensive training in dental sleep medicine. She stays current with the latest advancements in sleep apnea treatment to provide you with the most effective care. Our dental practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to create precise, comfortable oral appliances for sleep apnea in Clarksville, IN. We work collaboratively with sleep physicians to ensure comprehensive management of your sleep apnea.
Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of rest and endanger your health. Contact Dr. Xuanyi Li today to request an appointment or call us at (812) 506-2294.