Do you wake up every morning feeling groggy from an unfulfilling night of sleep? If so, you may want to consider visiting your orthodontist. While there are many factors contributing to a good night’s sleep, many people are surprised to realize how the health of your teeth plays a role in catching enough Z’s.
Although scientists aren’t sure exactly why humans need sleep, it’s clear that those 7 to 8 hours of recommended shut-eye help us replenish our drained energy levels for the next day. Everyone who has experienced a bad night of sleep knows how rough the following day can be. With countless Americans throughout the country struggling to get enough sleep, it’s an issue worth addressing. So whether you’re just shy of your target or barely getting enough sleep to stay awake the next day, you should think about visiting an orthodontist. Let’s explore some sleep-reducing conditions that orthodontists can help to alleviate.
Sleep apnea is a disruptive disorder that could be limiting the amount of sleep you get each night. Those dealing with this potentially hazardous condition experience pauses in their normal respiratory pattern during sleep. This is either caused by an issue in the area of the brain responsible for breathing or by a blockage in the airways. Those dealing with sleep apnea aren’t always aware that they have it. Ironically, the symptoms they experience seem so normal that they consider them as part of their everyday life. Symptoms such as limited short-term memory, poor concentration, and fatigue throughout the day don’t always stand out as abnormal. If an orthodontist can successfully diagnose you with sleep apnea, you’ll have an advantage over the condition. Sleep apnea caused by obstruction is relatively easy to treat and could even be aided with over-the-counter remedies.
Another potential issue that can transform a good night’s sleep into a restless battle for some shuteye is bruxism. People with this condition may gnash and grind their teeth or clench their jaw. There are a variety of symptoms that can develop from bruxism including stress, anxiety, depression, tension, headaches, earache, neck pain, migraines, a sore jaw, and insomnia. In addition to being destructive, teeth grinding also keeps the mind in an alert state even when you’re trying to sleep. Even though you feel tired and try your best to sleep, the constant nerve feedback keeps you stuck in a light sleep where you’ll be more likely to wake up from minor stimuli or small noises. This keeps from accessing that precious REM sleep. Bruxism is another condition that could be robbing you of enough rest through the night. Visiting with an orthodontist can help some people get properly diagnosed and treated for bruxism.
With so many different factors contributing to a successful night’s sleep, it can be daunting trying to pinpoint which specific problems are causing you to lose out on those invaluable Z’s. If you’ve exhausted all of the more obvious alternatives, you might want to consider visiting Ferris Orthodontics to see how we can help. If one of these two health issues are contributing to your lack of sleep, our doctors can give you a proper diagnosis as well as offer some viable treatment options.
