Falling and staying asleep can be hard enough without medical problems complicating matters. Worse yet, if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep apnea, getting the rest you deserve may seem nearly impossible. But what many people don’t realize is that although they might appear to be unrelated, these two conditions could be connected, and making getting those elusive ‘z’s’ a lot harder than it should be!
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder which causes stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and swallowing problems. It can create persistent discomfort, sleep disruptions, and other more serious conditions such as esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes recurrent pauses in breathing during sleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, gasping or choking for air during sleep, daytime lethargy, and cognitive impairment. It may also worsen or cause a variety of other harmful systemic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and GERD.
The Connection Between GERD & Sleep Apnea
Though there is no definitive answer, researchers do believe there is a strong connection between GERD and sleep apnea, particularly OSA. Studies have shown that people with GERD are more likely to have sleep apnea symptoms including snoring, daytime lethargy, and restless sleep. Furthermore, the intensity of their GERD symptoms frequently correlates with the severity of their sleep apnea.
Although this does not prove GERD causes sleep apnea, researchers also believe that symptoms like acid reflux and esophageal inflammation may trigger airway constriction, which can worsen or cause OSA.
How Can I Get Relief from GERD & Sleep Apnea?
The good news is that research has also shown that treating either GERD or OSA can benefit both. For patients searching for a way to get a better night’s sleep, oral appliance therapy from a qualified dentist can be a life-changing solution. While traditional treatment for OSA has typically been CPAP therapy, these small, discreet devices prop the airway open manually by comfortably aligning the jaw into its proper position. This allows the patient to breathe easily, without the use of forced air, awkward masks, complicated machinery, and hard-to-clean tubing. Oral appliances require no electricity to use, are easy to clean, and can be used anywhere. In fact, most patients prefer them over CPAP and are more compliant with them, making them more effective!
Remember, if you suffer from both sleep apnea and GERD, treating these conditions can help you get the comfortable, long-lasting sleep you deserve. To learn more about oral appliance therapy and how these discreet devices could get you the restful night you’ve been searching for, speak to your sleep dentist today.
About Our Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry, our trio of caring and compassionate sleep dentists want to help you get a comfortable, lasting night’s sleep every single night. That’s why we’re proud to offer oral appliance therapy to help you fall and stay asleep. If you are suffering from any symptoms of sleep apnea or GERD, oral appliance therapy could be the solution. To learn more about this treatment and if it can work for you, schedule a consultation today by visiting our website or calling 301-460-3331.