Do you feel tired, sluggish, or wake up with unexplained headaches in the morning, despite getting what you believe to be a complete night’s rest? If so, you could be suffering from a disorder like sleep apnea. Unfortunately, however, because these conditions occur when you’re not awake, they can be extremely difficult to diagnose. Here’s why if you’re considering seeking help from a sleep dentist, you should start keeping a sleep diary!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition caused by a narrowing or collapse of the airway during rest that interrupts your breathing and stops air from traveling throughout the body. This in turn notifies your brain that there’s a problem, encouraging you to wake up and breathe. While in many cases patients have no memory of these episodes (known as apneas), they can occur dozens of times each night, interrupting your rest and resulting in a variety of dangerous side effects. Symptoms of sleep apnea may also include:
- Snoring.
- Gasping or choking to breathe.
- Waking repeatedly throughout the night.
- Headaches when you wake up.
- Frequent morning sore throats.
- Depression / anxiety.
- Cognitive impairment.
- Constantly feeling exhausted or tired despite sleeping.
If you notice any of the above, contact your doctor or sleep dentist today to discuss sleep testing.
How to Keep a Sleep Diary
Once you’ve scheduled an appointment to discuss your nighttime difficulties, your dentist may request you keep what is known as a sleep diary. This journal is used to track your waking and resting patterns and is extremely easy to complete. In fact, you don’t need to invest in a special book or app- you can simply jot down important information on a piece of paper or in a regular notebook.
As for what to record, be sure to include the following details each night:
- The time you went to bed.
- Approximately how long it took you to fall asleep.
- How many times you woke up / how long you stayed awake each time.
- What time you woke up the next morning.
- How rested you felt when you got up for the day.
- How many naps you took during the day (if any at all) and how long they were.
- How many caffeinated or alcoholic beverages you drank.
- Any OTC or prescription medications you took.
- Any exercise you performed during the day.
While this may all seem insignificant, the more data you can provide, the easier it will be for your dentist to determine if you need a sleep study. Then, if you do, you can be referred to a specialist and get a formal diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Remember, it can be extremely difficult to discover and diagnose a sleep disorder, but keeping a detailed journal prior to your study can help shine a light on your habits and alert your dentist to any abnormalities. If you’re tired of being tired and ready to get the complete rest you deserve, schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss sleep apnea treatment today!
About Our Practice
At Sound Dentistry, we understand the importance of a good night’s rest, which is why we’re proud to treat sleep disorders with oral appliance therapy. If you’re struggling with daytime symptoms that indicate you’re not getting enough rest, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis first. To learn more about these evaluations and to get on the road to a better night’s sleep, visit our website or call us today at 508-321-7874.