If you aren’t feeling well-rested in the morning, despite sleeping for 7 to 9 hours each night, a bad mattress may not be the culprit. If your partner is complaining about your snoring and you’re battling daily fatigue, you might have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Unfortunately, poor sleep quality isn’t the only complication of the sleep disorder. An obstruction in your airway causes frequent pauses in breathing that can lead to life-threatening medical conditions. Although a sleep study is the only way to confirm a diagnosis, a sleep diary can help. Here’s how you can benefit from tracking your sleep over the next 2 weeks.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA is a condition that causes numerous interruptions in breathing while sleeping. As the tissues in the back of your mouth relax when drifting off to sleep, it creates an obstruction that can prevent you from breathing, leading to lack of oxygen. Over time, it can increase your risk of various physical and mental health concerns, like heart disease, dementia, and diabetes.
How Can a Sleep Diary Help?
If you suspect sleep apnea is the cause of your fatigue or morning headaches, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your physician. While you wait for your appointment, keep a sleep diary of patterns and habits. The additional information will help your physician determine if you need a sleep study. It’s best to keep a record of:
- What time you went to bed
- Roughly how long it took to fall asleep
- What time you got up in the morning
- How many times you woke up during the night
- How refreshed you felt in the morning
- Any sleep disturbances
- How much caffeine or alcohol you had throughout the day
- Any medications taken
- Duration of exercise
- Any nighttime habits
Not only can your physician use this information, but it can also help you get a better night’s rest. It allows you to see where you need to make a few changes to promote better sleep, like going to bed earlier or skipping your afternoon cup of coffee.
Treating Sleep Apnea with an Oral Appliance
If a sleep study confirms you have OSA, you may be referred to a dentist for an oral appliance. Although a CPAP is the most traditional treatment, patients with mild-to-moderate cases of OSA can benefit from oral appliance therapy.
An oral appliance is a custom-made device that repositions the tongue and lower jaw forward to prevent obstructions in the airway. When used correctly, it can treat both sleep apnea and chronic snoring.
Don’t spend another day feeling less than your best. A sleep diary is your first step toward breathing better and sleeping soundly.
About Dr. Randy Machen
Dr. Machen has over 30 years of experience in dentistry. After earning his dental degree from the University of Tennessee, he has regularly continued his education in advanced services, like oral appliances. If you think you might need sleep apnea therapy, contact our office today to request your consultation.