Experienced Sleep Apnea Treatment Solutions in Jackson, MS

Discover practical solutions for sleep apnea at Mississippi Orofacial Pain Specialists in Jackson, MS. We understand the impact of sleep disorders on your well-being and offer advanced treatments tailored to your needs. Learn more about our comprehensive approach to sleep apnea management below. Call us at 769-567-2555 to schedule an appointment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much to allow normal breathing. Loud snoring with intermittent snoring or breathing pauses are characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea. Interestingly, not all snoring is associated with sleep apnea.

Serious health risks are associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Blood oxygen levels drop during obstructive apnea. This event leads to increased blood pressure and a strain on the cardiovascular system. With obstructive sleep apnea, there are increased risks of heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac events.

People with obstructive sleep apnea experience daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. They feel tired, irritable, and have trouble concentrating. It is common for these people to fall asleep easily while watching TV or driving.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Loud and Chronic Snoring
  • Gasping or Choking During Sleep
  • Pauses in Breathing While Sleeping
  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
  • Morning Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Dry Mouth or Sore Throat Upon Waking
  • Frequent Urination During the Night
  • Restless Sleep or Insomnia
  • Decreased Libido or Sexual Dysfunction
  • Waking Up Feeling Unrefreshed or Fatigued

Sleep and Pain

Many people are unaware that obstructive sleep apnea is closely associated with TMJ pain. Current research demonstrates that the frequent sleep disruptions that occur in obstructive sleep apnea lower one's threshold to pain, thereby aggravating various pain problems, including headaches, facial pain, and TMJ pain. If you fail to feel refreshed in the morning, frequently wake up at night, and have difficulty falling asleep, then pain may be a significant component of your sleep disorder. When you see your Jackson, Mississippi, TMJ specialist, you may be asked about your sleep history to determine if it relates to your jaw or chronic facial pain.

Frequently disrupted or disordered sleep can make your muscles and joints ache. This aching interrupts your sleep, interfering with its quality and the quantity of sleep you get each night. This cycle continues nightly. If you have TMJ-related facial pain, then you may suffer from poor sleep quality. Many patients report these coexisting problems.

When sleep fails to become a priority due to a busy and complicated lifestyle, then pain can present itself in many forms. Even if you live an otherwise healthy lifestyle complete with proper eating habits and plenty of exercise, you can still miss out on the hours of sleep you truly need. Many female patients, especially those with young children, are not getting the sleep that they need. Poor sleep quality may trigger jaw pain or explain why a patient's pain is not improving.

Most people need between seven and eight hours of sleep every night. That sleep should be of good quality, not the kind with tossing, turning, and frequent wake-ups to look at the clock. Sleep is healing and can keep your muscles and joints working correctly. Your routine during the last several hours before bedtime can significantly influence your sleep quality and , thus, your pain level. Dr. Riley can offer helpful advice to prepare you for a healthy night of sleep conducive to TMJ pain relief.

How to Treat Sleep Apnea

The two most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea are the CPAP and the oral appliance. 

CPAP Treatment

The CPAP is a medical device consisting of a small bedside air compressor with an air hose and a mask that fits over the nose. Many patients find this device too cumbersome or uncomfortable and decide not to wear it.

Oral Appliance Treatment

The oral appliance for treating obstructive sleep apnea is a custom-made intraoral device easily placed in the mouth at bedtime. It fits comfortably in the mouth, much like the fit of an athletic mouthguard. This device maintains an open airway by propping the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep. The oral appliance is more easily tolerated than the CPAP by most patients, and it has medical and dental approval for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Advantages of Oral Appliances Versus CPAP Therapy

Oral appliances offer distinct benefits compared to traditional CPAP machines. Key advantages include:

  • Compact Size 
  • No Bulky or Noisy Equipment
  • Sleep Comfortably in Various Positions
  • Discreet and Quiet Operation
  • Natural Airflow Enhancement
  • Simple to Clean and Maintain
  • Enhanced Comfort During Wear
  • Cost-Effective Alternative to CPAP therapy

If snoring or CPAP noise is disturbing your sleep partner, family, or roommates, they'll appreciate the switch to an oral appliance. Many patients notice significant improvements from the very first night of use.

If you have difficulty sleeping, are tired and unrefreshed in the morning, or have jaw pain, an exam for sleep apnea is indicated. Call Dr. Paul C. Riley's office at 769-567-2555 or complete a contact form. Dr. Riley is Jackson, Mississippi's preeminent TMJ specialist.