Apnea: A disturbing sleep disorder

In Canada, 1 person in 20, which represents 5% of the population, suffers from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)*. It is a disorder that causes breathing to stop during sleep and includes various symptoms, such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, fatigue, etc.

To find out if you suffer from OSA, you should consult a doctor for a sleep test and diagnosis. They may prescribe a mandibular advancement splint to clear the airway during the night. This type of treatment must be performed by a dentist, as a generic, ill-fitting splint can lead to serious obstruction problems.

In the meantime, until your next visit to the doctor, be proactive by adopting healthy lifestyle and sleep habits, such as:

• Getting up and going to bed at the same time in the morning and in the evening
• Reducing the amount of time you spend in bed not sleeping
• Limiting exposure to screens (TV, computer, game console) in the evening
• Relaxing with a bath or meditation session before bedtime

Need some advice? The professionals at the Dr. Lechner Sleep Health Clinic are here to help!

*Source: Guide Apnée obstructive du sommeil: Information pour le patient avisé, published by the Collège des médecins du Québec, Ordre des dentistes du Québec and Ordre professionnel des inhalothérapeutes du Québec.