The National Sleep Foundation estimates that as many as 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, making it one of the most common disorders in the US. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may be looking anywhere you can to find relief. Could a recliner hold the answer for your consistent tiredness?
To learn more about sleep apnea and how a simple comfy chair may be able to help you, continue reading.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. These interruptions are usually caused by an obstruction of the upper airway, causing reduced airflow.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the muscles at the back of the throat relax over and over during sleep, leading to the closure of the airway. This causes you to wake up throughout the night as your brain sends out warning signals so your body can resume breathing.
Can a Recliner Help My Sleep Apnea?
A joint study conducted by the University of São Paulo Medical School and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School concluded that there are benefits to an angled position while at rest for sufferers of OSA.
The study monitored people with sleep apnea as they slept in a recliner at various angles. They found that at 7.5 degrees, a very slight tilt, people in the study had a 30% reduction in the number of episodes and the severity of each.
While this method could offer a temporary solution, you probably won’t be replacing your bed with a recliner anytime soon.
There are other treatments available for all types of sleep apnea that don’t require the use of an expensive and bulky chair.
What Are Some Treatments for Sleep Apnea?
Here are some treatments your dentist may offer to aid you in combatting your sleep disorder:
- Oral Appliances – These are like mouthguards with springs that reposition the jaw and tongue while you sleep to keep the airway open. They are generally used for more mild forms of OSA.
- CPAP Machine – This is one of the most effective treatments for more moderate or severe OSA. You wear a special mask hooked up to a machine during sleep. The CPAP machine continually pushes a stream of air that keeps the airway open, preventing pauses in breathing.
- Laser Snoring Treatment – During this treatment, a special laser is used to tighten the collagen in your soft palate, reducing the amount it can relax during sleep. This will lessen your snoring. This treatment takes minutes and can last as long as a year before needing to be redone.
There are many treatments available for sleep apnea that don’t involve a reclining chair. If you happen to have one and you find relief sleeping in it, you may consider using it as a short-term solution. However, you should speak with your dentist for long-term treatment that will have you back to resting peacefully in no time.
About the Practice
At iSleepSolutions in Las Vegas, you’ll find a compassionate and experienced team of dentists and sleep experts who are truly dedicated to helping patients regain control of their sleep and overall well-being. With a deep understanding of the challenges posed by sleep disorders like sleep apnea, they are committed to providing top-notch care and support. To schedule a consultation, call (702) 602-2000 or visit the website to learn more.