Sleep Medicine

Published May 27, 2010

Sleep Medicine is a fairly new field of medical study focusing on snoring and sleep apnea, two very common but potentially life-threatening disorders that can lead to simple daytime fatigue or affect an individual’s life with serious diseases, such as stroke or heart attack.

At the end of a long, hard day, most of us look forward to sleep. Sleep is a universal human need, but for many, sleep does not come easily, or is frequently interrupted throughout the night, often by snoring. Interestingly, individuals with sleep disorders that continually interfere with getting a good night’s rest are caused by many different medical, physical, mental, lifestyle and environmental factors over which the sufferer may or may not have control.

If you believe you have a sleep disorder, a visit to your family physician or dentist can provide the proven treatment options others have taken advantage of to cure this difficult problem. Oral Appliance Therapy, available through trained dental professionals, has helped thousands to conquer problems with snoring and sleep apnea that have plagued the sufferer and his or her family for years. The oral appliance is a simple device worn in the mouth during sleep, similar like a retainer. The oral appliance helps to reset the position of the jaw, pulling the jaw forward and preventing the back of the throat from collapsing, which is what causes the sound of snoring. Grateful patients now enjoy the experience of falling asleep and staying asleep, and can get back to enjoying life.

Sleep Apnea

A discussion of snoring is not complete without learning about sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a dangerous medical condition wherein the sufferer may stop breathing many times during the night due to partially blocked airway. Individuals who stop breathing more than 30 times every night are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a more serious form of the disease.

Most sleep apnea sufferers are not aware they have a problem until someone else, like a spouse, tells them. Hallmarks of sleep apnea include deep snoring, extended cessation of breathing, and choking sounds, along with a generally unrestful and disruptive sleep that can cause a serious health risk for the sufferer.

What’s So Bad About Snoring?

Snoring is not necessarily harmful. But interrupted breathing, a characteristic of sleep apnea, can lead to severe risks, including:

Heart attack
Stroke
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Choking and gasping during sleep
Impaired concentration
Increased depression
Learning and memory problems
Excessive daytime fatigue

People at risk for sleep apnea may already be experiencing specific risk factors, such as:

Routine snoring
More than 20 lbs. overweight
Elevated blood pressure
Other abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or small airway
17″ or greater neck size
Family history of sleep apnea

If you think you are suffering from sleep apnea, don’t let fear or embarrassment keep you from a diagnosis. As many as 45% of all Americans snore regularly, and snoring is more common among men than among women, not to mention being very irritating and sleep depriving to the loved ones who must listen to constant nightly snoring. Seek treatment immediately from your family physician or a skilled dental professional trained in diagnosing sleep disorders.

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