Understanding the Link Between TMJ and Sleep Apnea

Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you often wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s rest? If so, you may be suffering from sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that can have a major impact on your health. Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when your breathing is interrupted during sleep, causing you to wake up frequently. This can easily lead to daytime fatigue, an increased risk of accidents, and other health problems.

However, what many people do not know is that sleep apnea has somewhat of a connection with TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ is a condition that affects the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. Let’s discover the connection between the two conditions and what you can do about it.

The Link Between TMJ and Sleep Apnea

There are two types of sleep apnea: central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to your muscles to keep your airway open. On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in your airway. This blockage can be due to a number of things, including your tongue, tonsils, or soft palate.

Studies have shown that there is a link between TMJ and obstructive sleep apnea. This is because TMJ can cause your jaw to shift forward, which can then block your airway. As a result, people with TMJ are more likely to experience sleep apnea.

TMJ can lead to sleep apnea in two ways. First, TMJ can cause your airway to become narrow, making it more likely to become blocked. Second, TMJ can cause your jaw to move during sleep, which can cause your tongue to fall back and block your airway.

If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it’s important to see a doctor or a specialist in a sleep apnea clinic. Sleep apnea can lead to a number of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. If you have sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a treatment called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a machine that provides a continuous flow of air through your nose and mouth, keeping your airway open and preventing you from snoring.

What You Can Do

If you suffer from both TMJ and sleep apnea, there are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms. First, you can try wearing a mouthguard at night. This mouthguard will help keep your jaw in place and prevent it from shifting forward.

You can also try changing your sleeping position. People with sleep apnea often sleep on their backs, which can make their symptoms worse. Instead, sleep on your side or stomach to help keep your airway open.

If you’re still struggling with sleep apnea, you may need to see a doctor. They can prescribe you a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This machine will help keep your airway open by blowing air into your nose while you sleep.

Conclusion

There is a clear link between TMJ and sleep apnea. When someone suffers from TMJ, they are more likely to also suffer from sleep apnea. This is because both conditions involve the jaw and the muscles in the jaw. If you have TMJ disorder and are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Don’t let yourself suffer from the effects of sleep apnea. Healthy sleep starts by visiting Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic. Our specialists will help you determine what kind of sleeping disorder you may have and help you improve the quality of your sleep. Book an appointment now and take advantage of our clinical sleep solutions.