Does Your Partner Need Sleep Apnea Therapy in North Raleigh?

If you’ve stayed awake through the night because your partner is snoring loudly, you’ve probably felt inclined to push them so they face away from you to reduce the volume of their snoring. Of course, this isn’t a long-term solution. They’re still going to snore and they’ll still be at risk of health conditions associated with sleep apnea.

Instead of pushing the problem aside, it’s time to begin the steps of determining whether they need sleep apnea therapy in North Raleigh.

Study Their Habits

Before you assume the worst, pay close attention to your partner’s habits. There are many habits that can disrupt sleep, so use the following checklist to determine if reducing them can make a positive difference.

• Do they dedicate seven to nine hours of time to sleep a day?
• Are they going to bed at the same time every night?
• Is your bedroom quiet, dark and comfortable for sleep?
• Is your partner consuming alcohol or caffeine before bed or with dinner?
• Do they smoke or consume nicotine?

All of the following habits contribute to poor sleep and should be addressed before seeing a doctor. In the event that their sleep hasn’t improved after a week, it may be time to consider replacing their habits with ones that actively promote healthy sleep.

Take the Steps for Better Sleep

Whether your partner has insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or sleep apnea, it’s worth exploring these habits to reduce the symptoms. For example, ask them to exercise for at least 20 minutes a day and finish their routine at least four to five hours before bed. Doing this helps the body get higher quality sleep overall and helps you stay asleep for longer.

You’ll also want to avoid using devices that emit harsh light while in bed. Instead of making your bedroom a second living room, use it exclusively for sleeping. By the time your head hits the pillow, you’ll feel more inclined to fall asleep more quickly, rather than giving yourself a reason to stay up longer.

Schedule an Appointment with a Dentist

If none of the mentioned tips do anything to improve your partner’s sleep, it may be time to visit a dentist in North Raleigh. Many people don’t realize how helpful their dentist can be when treating sleep disorders. Thanks to oral appliances custom-made by the dentist and professional opinions from sleep doctors the dentist knows, your partner can get the most accurate diagnosis possible.

The steps to reaching a diagnosis typically involve a sleep study, which monitors patterns experienced during sleep. If your partner has sleep apnea, the study is sure to catch it and help your dentist create a device that can help.

Don’t let your partner suffer any longer from a poor night’s sleep. Schedule an appointment with a dentist today to get them treated!

About the Author

Dr. Philip A. Lisk earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill. He’s also a member of the ADA, the American Academy of General Dentistry, and an alumni of the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study. To learn more about his practice, you can contact him through his website.