CBD and Sleep Apnea: Can It Help Improve Your Sleep?

If you have been living with sleep apnea for a while, you may be wondering if there is anything that can help alleviate your symptoms and help you get the rest you need. While countless lifestyle changes can be helpful to incorporate, some people are now recommending CBD oil. Is it safe to use? Is it effective? Read on to find out what CBD can do when it comes to sleep apnea and why you should consider visiting a sleep dentist for effective treatment.

Can CBD Oil Treat Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

If you are thinking about trying CBD oil – a compound more commonly known as marijuana but does not contain THC – to alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms, you should know that the research is still unclear about its effectiveness.

However, if you struggle to fall asleep, you may find that CBD oil can help with this process, meaning you get to enjoy more rest each night.

But before you run out to buy a bottle, it’s important to consider all the facts and medical advice, especially that which comes from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). In 2017, the AASM decided that medical cannabis or CBD oil should not be used to address sleep apnea symptoms because of the uncertainty about its safety and tolerance.

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The most common form of sleep apnea is OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), which affects millions of people throughout the U.S. and results in an obstruction that blocks the airway while sleeping. This causes breathing to stop and sudden awakenings (interrupted sleep), which can happen once or hundreds of times each night.

When faced with this common sleep problem, it’s essential to recognize its symptoms, which can include:

• Loud snoring
• Mouth breathing
• Chronic fatigue
• Choking or gasping for air throughout the night
• Dry mouth or hoarse
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depression
• Frequent headaches in the morning
• Increase need to urinate at night

What Kind of Treatment is Available?

Seeing a licensed and experienced sleep dentist or sleep physician is essential to treating OSA. A sleep test and screening can be provided to ensure a formal diagnosis.

If it is found that you do have OSA, a comprehensive plan will be created to address the underlying issue and get you the help you need. This might include a weight loss plan, oral appliance therapy, CPAP therapy, or further diagnoses should surgery be required.

One of the most common solutions is the creation of an oral appliance. Small and comfortable to wear, it is crafted to fit your smile so that the jaw moves forward, allowing your airway to remain unobstructed while you sleep.

Entrusting your overall health to a skilled sleep dentist is one of the most important and worthwhile steps you can take when looking to treat your OSA. Let their expertise guide you to the right method of treatment so that you can finally get the rest you deserve.

About the Practice
Sleep Dallas consists of multiple sleep dentists and specialists who are here to treat each patient with a customized plan that is designed to address their unique needs. Taking a comprehensive approach to sleep apnea, we can provide sleep testing as well as in-depth treatment that targets not only a person’s symptoms but also the underlying cause. If you think you may have sleep apnea, contact us to learn what we can do to help you breathe and sleep better.