“Can my sleep apnea fix itself?” This is a common question we hear at our sleep apnea treatment center in Michigan. No one wants to deal with sleep apnea forever, and thankfully, you don’t have to. It all comes down to whether your condition will go away on its own or if you will need treatment to correct it. This discussion will help you determine if sleep apnea therapy will be necessary for you.
Reducing Your Risk Factors May Reduce Your Symptoms
Many patients are able to reduce their sleep apnea symptoms with some simple lifestyle changes. For instance, being overweight puts you at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. The extra pressure on your throat can cause the muscles to relax at night, which may block your airway when you sleep. Smoking also puts you at risk of sleep apnea (smokers are three times more susceptible than non-smokers).
Altering your behavior could help you sleep better at night, but that does not guarantee that your sleep apnea would go away completely. There are some factors that you cannot control, like your age or family history of sleep apnea. These may also play a role in your condition. Improving your health is always a good idea, but you may still need sleep apnea treatment to completely reverse your symptoms.
Sleep Apnea Usually Gets Worse, Not Better
Obstructive sleep apnea usually doesn’t go away on its own. In fact, the symptoms may get worse if left untreated. The condition prevents your body from getting the restful night it needs to heal and grow. Combine this with fatigue throughout the day, and you have a recipe for disaster. Even if the symptoms themselves don’t get worse, they may feel worse because you are tired and stressed. The sooner you get treatment, the better you will feel.
Talk To A Dentist About Your Options
The best way to find out if sleep apnea treatment is right for you is to talk to an experienced dentist about your options. The team here at Clinton Dental Center would be happy to assess your symptoms and find the best solution for your individual needs. We create custom dental appliances to help you sleep soundly at night, along with a wide range of family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry solutions. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
