Common Sleep Issues That Cause Disruption and Ways to Resolve Them

Do you find yourself waking up throughout the night? These nighttime disruptions can take a heavy toll on your energy during the day, and it isn’t always clear what’s behind these sleep issues. Here are three key reasons why you may be experiencing sleep disturbances and some steps you can take to deal with them.

1. Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects many people at various points in their lives. While it’s most widely associated with being unable to fall asleep, it can also cause you to wake prematurely and can leave you fatigued. You may have trouble getting back to sleep after waking in the middle of the night.

There are many potential factors that can contribute to insomnia. Certain conditions, often related to chronic pain, and some medications can cause difficulty sleeping. You should bring up any concerns about  your sleep with your doctor.

Your environment also plays a major role. A bright environment—particularly blue light—can make it hard to sleep, as can a noisy one. Even a ‌messy environment can affect your ability to sleep.

2. Stress and Anxiety

Your mental health can have just as much of an impact as your physical health when it comes to sleep. Excessive stress and anxiety can greatly reduce the quality of your sleep. Patients with anxiety may experience episodes at night that can wake them up.

Seeking out a mental health professional could help you find an effective solution for your sleep problems caused by stress and anxiety. Therapy can help resolve issues, and prescribed medication is sometimes appropriate.

3. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is one of the most prominent sleep disorders. Frequent awakenings due to sleep-disordered breathing characterize it. During sleep, muscle relaxation in the throat causes the airway to restrict, which stops you from breathing. The lack of air causes you to  suddenly jolt awake.

These sleep apnea episodes can take place repeatedly over the course of the night. Patients usually fall asleep again almost immediately, often having no memory of the events the next morning. However, they do experience fatigue and tiredness throughout the day.

Even if you recall waking up at different points in the night, you may not associate those events with sleep apnea. If you find that you wake up repeatedly to use the restroom, you may actually have sleep apnea and only feel the need to use the restroom once you’re awake.

Treating Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be serious. The lack of oxygen it creates can lead to your body raising blood pressure to compensate, which can lead to a variety of health concerns. However, there are effective treatment options available for sleep apnea.

You should reach out to your dentist if you notice any signs of sleep apnea. They can evaluate your condition to confirm that sleep apnea is the issue at hand. From there, they can recommend a variety of treatment options.

While more severe cases might call for the use of a CPAP machine, which involves wearing a mask during sleep to keep the airway open, there are other treatment options. For example, an oral appliance from your dentist can keep your jaw in the right position to prevent the airway from closing.

Sleep Problems Are Complex

If you’re having trouble with sleep, you could be experiencing a combination of different factors. Many sleep issues are interrelated, so there may not be a clear-cut cause of your sleep problems. Talking with your doctor about any disruptions is the best way to identify effective treatment options.

Patients who experience sleep apnea also often experience bruxism during their sleep. The teeth grinding and clenching caused by bruxism can disrupt sleep, and contribute to jaw pain, tooth decay, and a wide range of other dental problems.

Oral appliances are often an effective solution for both sleep apnea and bruxism. Holding the jaw in the proper position can help alleviate sleep apnea. It will also keep your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other, preventing a wide range of potential dental complications down the line.

Need a Family Dentist near Greensboro, NC, for Sleep Apnea or Bruxism Relief?

If you’re concerned about sleep apnea or bruxism, you can visit the caring team at Farless Dental Group for solutions. We can carefully evaluate your condition to find the best route forward. We can provide sleep apnea therapy with oral appliances to improve the quality of your sleep, along with nightguards for targeting bruxism.

Farless Dental Group is your family dentist in Greensboro for all of your and your family’s dental needs. You can enjoy quality care carried out with the latest techniques and technology at our welcoming office. To schedule an appointment, contact us today.