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I don't have Sleep Apnea, Now What?
Your home sleep test showed you don't have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), you still may be snoring or not sleeping like you want to, so what do you do next.
By now you have received your sleep study results, which show that you don't have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Despite your lack of OSA, you may still be experiencing sleep disruption and snoring, impacting both you and your partner's sleep. While apnea does not appear to be what is ailing you, GEM SLEEP is still here to guide you toward a better night's sleep. Explore a variety of empowering options as we guide you through the next steps. We have compiled a list of common next steps for people without OSA. Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) and lifestyle changes may make for more restful nights, or consider additional lab tests for a comprehensive understanding of your sleep.
ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY
An oral appliance is a custom device resembling a retainer or athletic mouthguard. It works by slightly advancing your lower jaw during sleep, keeping your upper airway open and preventing snoring. This treatment is provided by a dentist with advanced training in snoring and sleep apnea. To see a list of Dentists who are certified in Dental Sleep Medicine visit www.aadsm.org.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
In addition to oral appliances, consider these lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate snoring.
- Lose Weight: Excess weight, especially around the neck, can contribute to snoring.
- Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back may cause snoring. Sleeping on your side can prevent this. A body pillow can help you sleep comfortably on your side.
- Limit Alcohol Usage: Alcohol relaxes mouth and throat muscles, leading to snoring. Limit alcohol intake 3-4 hours before bedtime to reduce snoring.
- Open Nasal Passages: Congestion and narrow nasal passages can cause snoring. If you have a cold virus and are congested, consider nasal sprays, or a neti pot to clear your sinuses. The use of nasal strips can also open up the nasal passages if the problem exists in your nose versus your soft palate.
- Healthy Sleep Habits: Consistent and healthy sleep habits reduce the risk of snoring. Poor sleep habits can relax mouth and throat muscles, contributing to snoring.
ADDITIONAL SLEEP TESTING
While the GEM testing is very comprehensive, and for most people is all the testing they need, there are benefits for some patients doing more advanced testing for other sleep conditions beyond Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
At GEM SLEEP, we get it. Sleep is important to our overall well being. We are here to support you in your journey to better sleep. Explore resources on our website, speak with a sleep coach, and join our Facebook community to connect with others experiencing similar sleep issues.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.
By now you have received your sleep study results, which show that you don't have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Despite your lack of OSA, you may still be experiencing sleep disruption and snoring, impacting both you and your partner's sleep. While apnea does not appear to be what is ailing you, GEM SLEEP is still here to guide you toward a better night's sleep. Explore a variety of empowering options as we guide you through the next steps. We have compiled a list of common next steps for people without OSA. Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) and lifestyle changes may make for more restful nights, or consider additional lab tests for a comprehensive understanding of your sleep.
ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY
An oral appliance is a custom device resembling a retainer or athletic mouthguard. It works by slightly advancing your lower jaw during sleep, keeping your upper airway open and preventing snoring. This treatment is provided by a dentist with advanced training in snoring and sleep apnea. To see a list of Dentists who are certified in Dental Sleep Medicine visit www.aadsm.org.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
In addition to oral appliances, consider these lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate snoring.
- Lose Weight: Excess weight, especially around the neck, can contribute to snoring.
- Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back may cause snoring. Sleeping on your side can prevent this. A body pillow can help you sleep comfortably on your side.
- Limit Alcohol Usage: Alcohol relaxes mouth and throat muscles, leading to snoring. Limit alcohol intake 3-4 hours before bedtime to reduce snoring.
- Open Nasal Passages: Congestion and narrow nasal passages can cause snoring. If you have a cold virus and are congested, consider nasal sprays, or a neti pot to clear your sinuses. The use of nasal strips can also open up the nasal passages if the problem exists in your nose versus your soft palate.
- Healthy Sleep Habits: Consistent and healthy sleep habits reduce the risk of snoring. Poor sleep habits can relax mouth and throat muscles, contributing to snoring.
ADDITIONAL SLEEP TESTING
While the GEM testing is very comprehensive, and for most people is all the testing they need, there are benefits for some patients doing more advanced testing for other sleep conditions beyond Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
At GEM SLEEP, we get it. Sleep is important to our overall well being. We are here to support you in your journey to better sleep. Explore resources on our website, speak with a sleep coach, and join our Facebook community to connect with others experiencing similar sleep issues.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.