You may be aware of how sleep apnea can keep you from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, but have you considered how the issue may take a toll on your personal and professional relationships? This condition leads to a wide range of symptoms that can make it difficult to engage socially and function well at work, but your dentist may be able to help alleviate them. Here’s a quick look at how sleep apnea can hurt your relationships and how your dentist can help.
Sleep Apnea Can Make It Hard to Enjoy Time with People
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition characterized by the muscle and fat tissues in a person’s neck weighing heavily on their windpipe when they sleep, and it can lead to a host of symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Grogginess
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
These issues can take a massive toll on your social life by making it hard to engage with others, maintain interest in what they are saying, or simply enjoy their company. Addressing sleep apnea may make it much easier to have pleasant experiences at social outings or family gatherings.
Sleep Apnea Can Make Work Difficult
Many professions involve maintaining amicable and profitable relationships with clients and coworkers, and the symptoms of sleep apnea can make it difficult to keep up a professional appearance and a friendly demeanor at work. Grogginess, fatigue, and depression can hinder a person’s ability to make favorable impressions, build relationships, and close sales, and this can significantly impede a person’s career.
How Can My Dentist Help?
Fortunately, your dentist offers two effective ways to address sleep apnea, those being:
- CPAP therapy: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines use pressurized air to keep a patient’s airway open when they sleep.
- Oral appliances: These devices are customized to comfortably fit the patient’s mouth, and they hold the lower jaw in a forward position that makes it easier to keep the airway clear during slumber.
Don’t let sleep apnea make it difficult to maintain positive relationships at home, with friends, or at work. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best way to address this frustrating health condition.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Bagley earned his dental degree at the University of North Carolina and regularly refines his skills with continuing education coursework. He takes great pride in ensuring that the people of Greensboro receive the best oral healthcare possible. His office offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as sleep apnea treatments. If you believe you may have sleep apnea, contact his office online or dial the front desk at (336) 854-5850.