Sleep Apnea A Growing Problem In America
Millions of people suffer from sleep problems that prevent them from getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night. While insomnia can be caused by a variety of things, including stress, caffeinated beverages and poor lifestyle habits; it can also be the result of a serious condition known as sleep apnea.
Because sleep apnea causes intermittent breathing problems, it promotes maintenance insomnia, which is defined as frequent waking throughout the night. Most people who suffer from sleep apnea experience a myriad of unpleasant symptoms, including snoring, daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. That said, sleep apnea has also been linked to all sorts of medical problems, such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and early death.
Getting Diagnosed
When people show signs of sleep apnea, a doctor will typically refer them to a sleep physician, who will conduct a sleep study. During the study, the patient's breathing is monitored for signs of interruptions. If the subject is positively diagnosed, he or she may choose from a few different treatment options, including CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), surgery or oral appliance therapy.
Surgery - Typically offered to patients who have severe sleep apnea, surgery is aimed at removing tissue that is blocking the airway. Painful and invasive, this treatment doesn't always prove successful.
CPAP - CPAP uses pressure to keep a person's airway open at night. When used as directed, this treatment is highly successful. Unfortunately, many people cannot tolerate CPAP, thanks to unpleasant side-effects, such as loud noises, pressure sores and claustrophobia.
Oral appliance therapy - Many sleep apneics enjoy lasting relief when they wear an oral appliance mouthpiece, which keeps critical airways open by maintaining proper jaw alignment. This noiseless, comfortable treatment is ideal for people who are afraid of painful, invasive surgical procedures and/or who cannot tolerate CPAP.
A Growing Problem
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report recognizing sleep problems as a public health epidemic. What's more, because many people suffer from this dangerous disorder unknowingly, no one can be sure just how many are affected. If you are showing symptoms, such as snoring, chronic fatigue or frequent waking, see your doctor to find out if a sleep study is warranted. If you are positively diagnosed, see a sleep dentist to find out if cheaper, quieter oral appliance therapy is right for you.
Because sleep apnea causes intermittent breathing problems, it promotes maintenance insomnia, which is defined as frequent waking throughout the night. Most people who suffer from sleep apnea experience a myriad of unpleasant symptoms, including snoring, daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. That said, sleep apnea has also been linked to all sorts of medical problems, such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and early death.
Getting Diagnosed
When people show signs of sleep apnea, a doctor will typically refer them to a sleep physician, who will conduct a sleep study. During the study, the patient's breathing is monitored for signs of interruptions. If the subject is positively diagnosed, he or she may choose from a few different treatment options, including CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), surgery or oral appliance therapy.
Surgery - Typically offered to patients who have severe sleep apnea, surgery is aimed at removing tissue that is blocking the airway. Painful and invasive, this treatment doesn't always prove successful.
CPAP - CPAP uses pressure to keep a person's airway open at night. When used as directed, this treatment is highly successful. Unfortunately, many people cannot tolerate CPAP, thanks to unpleasant side-effects, such as loud noises, pressure sores and claustrophobia.
Oral appliance therapy - Many sleep apneics enjoy lasting relief when they wear an oral appliance mouthpiece, which keeps critical airways open by maintaining proper jaw alignment. This noiseless, comfortable treatment is ideal for people who are afraid of painful, invasive surgical procedures and/or who cannot tolerate CPAP.
A Growing Problem
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report recognizing sleep problems as a public health epidemic. What's more, because many people suffer from this dangerous disorder unknowingly, no one can be sure just how many are affected. If you are showing symptoms, such as snoring, chronic fatigue or frequent waking, see your doctor to find out if a sleep study is warranted. If you are positively diagnosed, see a sleep dentist to find out if cheaper, quieter oral appliance therapy is right for you.
