Over 22 million Americans are currently living with some form of sleep apnea, which leaves them feeling lethargic and less functional throughout the day. If you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, then you’re likely looking for a way to rest better. Can sleeping pills provide a safe and effective solution? An expert in treating sleep apnea in Columbus provides some key insight to help clear up any confusion.
The Danger of Ignoring Sleep Apnea
One of the purposes of adequate sleep is to allow your body a chance to repair itself. When this natural process is interrupted by sleep apnea (frequent pauses in breathing throughout the sleep cycle), you’re left unable to perform at your best during the day. In some cases, this can be life-threatening. For example, if you’re operating a vehicle, not being fully alert and possibly drifting to sleep can cause a major accident.
While it’s of the utmost importance to seek help for sleep apnea, some people are attempting to take matters into their own hands by ingesting sleeping pills.
The Purpose of Sleeping Pills
Unfortunately, many people confuse sleeping pills as being viable ways to treat sleep apnea. The reality is that the pills (also referred to as sedative hypnotics) are designed to help people with insomnia rest at night, which is a different issue than what those with sleep apnea are facing.
Sleep Apnea Explained
Sleep apnea is far more dangerous than insomnia because it is a sleep breathing disorder, and proper oxygen flow is vital to maintaining every aspect of your health. Therefore, if you’re suffering from sleep apnea, you need targeted treatment from a trained sleep dentist. Otherwise, you could be subject to such life-threatening conditions as hypertension, stroke, heart disease and liver dysfunction.
How Sleeping Pills Can Make the Situation Worse
Most over-the-counter sleep medications contain an ingredient called diphenhydramine to help induce sleep. Their relaxation properties can have an adverse effect if you’re suffering from sleep apnea because, along with quieting the mind, they can cause your throat muscles to relax.
This is especially problematic if you have the most common type of sleep breathing disorder: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The condition is the result of the throat muscles becoming flaccid while you sleep and partially blocking the airway.
The bottom line is that taking a sleeping pill can add to the problem and contribute to your bouts of apnea increasing.
A Safe Solution
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you don’t have to spend time experimenting with dangerous alternatives. Instead, you should pay your local sleep dentist a visit. The specialist can custom design an oral sleep appliance that will help alleviate any loud snoring and sleep interruptions by keeping your airway open.
So to recover from sleep apnea in a safe and effective manner, don’t hesitate to reach out to request a visit. It’s by far the best way to start getting the rest you need.
About the Author
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Eric Buck is highly experienced in treating sleep apnea. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine affiliate provides patients with custom oral sleep appliances at The Columbus Sleep Center, and he can be reached for more information through his website.