It’s that time of year again! While you are setting resolutions, such as losing weight or working out more, we have one suggestion—seek treatment for sleep apnea. If you snore and wake up feeling exhausted even though you had just the right amount of sleep, it is important to seek treatment immediately. Sleep apnea is a common and serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing. It can also be the reason why you snore at nighttime, interrupting your partner’s sleep.

Visit Your Dentist

The first step in making your resolution a reality is visiting your dentist. By visiting the dentist, you can get a better understanding of what sleep apnea is and what treatment options are available for you. Your dentist and hygienist will ask you questions, such as “Do you or anyone you know, snore?” Sometimes snoring is the surest sign that you might be suffering from sleep apnea. Once this is established, your dentist can set up an appointment with a sleep physician for proper diagnosis. With a proper diagnosis, treatment can begin so you can get a better night’s sleep.

Start Treatment

Once you have visited a sleep physician and received diagnosis that you do suffer from sleep apnea, your dentist can provide proper treatment. The availability of oral appliance therapy helps to successfully improve your symptoms so that you can get a better night’s sleep without the need for CPAP therapy.

Your dentist will take a mold of your teeth to create a custom oral appliance—this resembles a mouth guard you would wear while participating in sporting events. Once the oral appliance is fabricated, your dentist will explain how to properly use this device.

Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Each night you will wear the oral appliance to keep your tongue from falling in the back of your throat—blocking your airway, which causes snoring. By utilizing your oral appliance every night, you will notice a difference. Keep up with oral appliance therapy and visits to your dentist and you will get a better night’s sleep.

Remember, 2015 starts a new year and a new you—begin with your health and your sleep.