You need sleep to function. Just like the three bears in the classic Goldilocks fable, however, it’s all about finding a happy balance. Not getting enough sleep can negatively impact your concentration and lower your immune system in the long-term. Getting too much sleep can make you feel lethargic and out-of-touch. When it comes to the habits of everyday Americans, that happy balance can seem just like an elusive fairytale. Sleep apnea, insomnia and anxiety are all contributing factors when it comes to affecting a healthy sleep pattern. If you’ve found yourself struggling to catch those forty winks, continue reading to learn about orthodontics for adults.
Believe it or not, dental work isn’t just for a beautiful smile. It certainly doesn’t hurt, though! Studies have shown one in five Americans, give or take, doesn’t have an ideal bite. This can be due to genetics or poor maintenance throughout childhood. Yellowing, brown spots and crooked teeth are also very common among adults and can even have an impact on one’s self-esteem. Nearly three-quarters of American adults, for example, feel an unattractive smile can hurt their career success.
But enough about aesthetic. What about sleep?
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by apneas, or rather, interruptions that interfere with the REM cycle and cause people to wake up over and over again. Your REM cycle is necessary for your body to get the full, bone-deep rest needed to recover from the ground up. This is why naps, however useful in the short-term, just don’t cut it! This condition isn’t just annoying — it’s potentially deadly if left untreated for too long.
Over 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Even worse? People who are left with an untreated case of sleep apnea face a risk of stroke four times as high as those who don’t! The average night’s sleep can see a sufferer of what’s known as ‘obstructive sleep apnea’ experiencing over 60 apneas per hour. When work has you exhausted and it’s all you can do to spend a little time with family before bed, the last thing you need is sleep apnea or sleep anxiety getting in the way.
This is where orthodontics for adults comes in.
Sleep apnea management requires a few different tools to positively impact your sleep cycle. Some turn to sleep apnea machines to help their breathing pattern. Others attempt to put a dent in their anxiety and get to the root of the problem. Sleep apnea, however, can be related to the shape of your jaw or an issue with your joints. Orthodontics for adults seeks to rectify these issues with tried-and-true methods that help thousands of people sleep better every year.
A 2014 survey provided by the American Association Of Orthodontists saw adults making a record high of nearly two million patients. Think good sleep is a myth? Think again. An orthodontist can take a look at what’s ailing you, provide you with the necessary tools to reverse your side-effects and have you feeling healthier than you ever have before. Don’t go another week waking up in the middle of the night and feeling groggy during your shift. See if Invisalign or a similar treatment method can help you live your dream.
