SNORING/SLEEP APNEA

    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very serious condition that is frequently underdiagnosed or missed as harmless snoring. In obstructive sleep apnea, breathing is interrupted by a physical block in airflow where one or more breaths are missed and occur repeatedly throughout sleep.  In any given night, these apneic events may occur anywhere from 30-50 times per hour and in some, 60 times per hour!

An individual with sleep apnea is rarely aware of any difficulty breathing but is recognized as a problem by others witnessing the event. In many situations, the body continues to adequately get oxygen but this may be an early indication of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea effect many physiological functions but the most common side effects are:

• heart attacks or irregular heart beat
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• diabetes
• heartburn
• morning headaches
• dry mouth
• gastroesophagitis reflux disease (GERD)
• impaired concentration
• depression
• decreased libido
• irritability
• chronic sleepiness
• learning or memory disabilities

Individuals that are at higher risk of developing sleep apnea are those that snore, are overweight, or have high blood pressure. Physical abnormalities in the nose (deviated septums), throat or other parts of the upper airway may also be a contributing factor. However, many do not have these predisposing factors and still be affected by sleep apnea. A better indication is to take the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a scale intended to measure the daytime sleepiness that is measured by the use of a very short questionnaire. This is a helpful tool in diagnosing sleep disorders.

 

 Epworth Sleepiness Scale

 

Sleepiness Questionaire

 

More than one third of snorers mistakenly believe there is no effective treatment available to them. Not so-dentistry could have a solution. If you are a chronic snorer, you may think you've tried everything...changing your sleeping position...wearing a nose clip...and you may be ready to resort to surgery. But before you do, consider a dental solution.

A small comfortable custom-fitted oral appliance may be the solution for you, and there is more good news. Your oral appliance can also help with grinding and jaw joint problems as well as snoring.

 Come in and ask Dr. Heit how she can help you with your sleep apnea and snoring.