Sleep Apnea 2
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is loud and frequent snoring. Snoring may sound like a familiar word, but the definition of snoring states that it is the vibration of the respiratory structures and the sound resulting from it caused by the obstructed air movement. This is very similar to the definition of obstructive sleep apnea regarding the obstructed air, just add to that the complete pause in breathing because of the obstructed airway. Symptoms of sleep apnea should be taken very seriously because left untreated the patient is at a high risk for developing a whole host of diseases such as stroke, heart attack, depression, obesity, high blood pressure, memory loss, and more.
If you snore you may ask how you would know if you are just snoring of if this is a symptom or sign of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea?) Basically, if you are just snoring you will awaken refreshed, have no excessive tiredness during the day and have no signs of insomnia. With OSA snoring you awaken unrefreshed, feel very tired and sleep deprived. Let’s not forget that snoring also disrupts the sleeping partner which can cause additional stress in the relationship and even lead to a breakup.
Unfortunately many people suffering from sleep apnea symptoms are undiagnosed and untreated. In fact, 50 – 70 million Americans suffer from some type of chronic sleep disorder as shown by the Institute of Medicine. The loss of productivity due to daytime sleepiness is staggering, with an estimated cost of $150 billion for the economy. 1 out of 5 car wrecks are due to drowsy drivers. There is a great challenge today for sleep professionals and dentists to respond to these great risks and economic impacts we have seen.
Many dentists who are trained in dental sleep medicine have been able to help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea through the use of an oral appliance. It is a small dental appliance worn while sleeping each night that is similar to a sports mouthpiece. These work best for cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea and particularly for the overweight or obese patient. In some cases, the device can be discontinued when the weight is lost. Many companies now offer these oral appliances and they go by various names, but they are all somewhat similar and perform the same functions which are to open the airway and keep the patient continually breathing throughout the night.
If you snore you may ask how you would know if you are just snoring of if this is a symptom or sign of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea?) Basically, if you are just snoring you will awaken refreshed, have no excessive tiredness during the day and have no signs of insomnia. With OSA snoring you awaken unrefreshed, feel very tired and sleep deprived. Let’s not forget that snoring also disrupts the sleeping partner which can cause additional stress in the relationship and even lead to a breakup.
Unfortunately many people suffering from sleep apnea symptoms are undiagnosed and untreated. In fact, 50 – 70 million Americans suffer from some type of chronic sleep disorder as shown by the Institute of Medicine. The loss of productivity due to daytime sleepiness is staggering, with an estimated cost of $150 billion for the economy. 1 out of 5 car wrecks are due to drowsy drivers. There is a great challenge today for sleep professionals and dentists to respond to these great risks and economic impacts we have seen.
Many dentists who are trained in dental sleep medicine have been able to help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea through the use of an oral appliance. It is a small dental appliance worn while sleeping each night that is similar to a sports mouthpiece. These work best for cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea and particularly for the overweight or obese patient. In some cases, the device can be discontinued when the weight is lost. Many companies now offer these oral appliances and they go by various names, but they are all somewhat similar and perform the same functions which are to open the airway and keep the patient continually breathing throughout the night.
