People who suffer from Sleep Apnea typically experience interrupted sleep episodes, which in-turn can lead to a general feeling of grogginess during the day. The cause of the interruption is inappropriate oxygen intake and is caused by obstructions to the airway—air that passes through the mouth and nose.
There are several health risks associated with sleep apnea. Some are milder in that they generally don’t put the patient’s life in peril, but can still cause discomfort and distress. These include:
• Disrupted sleep: the patient is constantly awakening throughout the evening
• Daytime fatigue: due to lack of sleep the patient feels tired and irritable, and can lack focus during waking hours
• Heavy snoring: RIM sleep is interrupted and the patient never fully appreciates the benefits gained from deep sleep, which leads to drowsiness during waking hours
The more severe health risks caused by sleep apnea are:
• Obesity: because your body is less efficient at using energy, you gain weight
• Diabetes: people who experience weight gain, especially significant weight gain have a far-greater risk of becoming diabetic
• High blood pressure: people who become overweight are at a greater risk of having high blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure: weight and stress hormones contribute to higher heart rates leading to heart failure and strokes
• Stroke
There are other ways that sleep apnea can cause harm or injury to the body. Because sleep apnea sufferers don’t get enough sleep, they are less attentive and are at a significantly higher risk of dosing of during activities such as driving. Sleep apnea and lack of sleep can cause car accident. This has been proven through statistical research.
Treatments for Sleep Apnea:
• CPAP Machines: The machine regulates the air intake by using a mask designed to fit over the nose, and or the mouth, and is connected via a tube
• Appliance Therapy: a mouth piece that prevents the airway from becoming obstructed
A dentist can fit a patient with a mouth piece that depresses or holds the tongue in place, while supporting the jaw, and allowing the airway to remain open. According to the AADSM (American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine), there are more than 18-million people who suffer from sleep apnea due to obstructed airways. Their studies have shown that more than half of the people who begin the CPAP treatment will stop using the device due to the discomfort they feel while attempting to sleep.
The advantage of using an appliance is that there are no tubes and no machine noise while sleeping. The appliances keep the airway open naturally without all the head gear that is associated with a CPAP machine. Oral appliances are an excellent alternative to the CPAP machine in mild cases of sleep apnea. People who suffer from extreme cases of sleep apnea will likely have to undergo the CPAP treatment. As with all medical treatment, you should consult a physician and your dentist to see if the oral appliance is right for you.
