Sleep is a critical time for the body to rest and repair and without it the body can become host to a series of physical and physiological ailments. It is a necessary ingredient for a healthy vital life and studies show that 10% of the population is suffering from sleep deprivation due to sleep apnea.
Do you consider snoring to be a mere inconvenience in your life? You may be surprised to know that snoring can be hazardous to your overall health. (And not just by getting elbowed in the ribs by your partner during the night!) Snoring may be a critical sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which can cause you to stop breathing dozens of times per night. Obstructive sleep apnea can occur if you have overly relaxed tongue or throat muscles, enlarged tonsils or a small mouth or jaw which leaves no room for your tongue. Being overweight, drinking alcohol or taking sleep medication before bed may also contribute to your sleep apnea problem. The consequence is a blocked airway and oxygen deprivation while you sleep.
Snoring related to sleep apnea can put you at greater risk of heart attack and stroke not to mention other disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Sleep apnea can also affect your waking hours by causing you to feel constantly fatigued no matter how much rest you get. This then leads to depression, increased anxiety and stress.
Children can also suffer from sleep apnea. Studies estimate that 50% of children who are on ADHD and ADD medications have been misdiagnosed. They are actually suffering from oxygen deprivation while they sleep and would benefit from dental treatment. To see if your child is at risk watch for the following symptoms:
- Snoring
- Excessive tiredness
- Acting out or aggressive behavior
- Hyperactivity
- Narrow Maxilla
- Mouth breathing
- Enlarged Tonsils/Adenoids
- Under the eye “shiners”
- Difficulty staying "focused" at school
Get tested, get rested and get your life back. Orthodontic or sleep appliance treatment can help you get the rest you need to feel your best. We have successfully treated many people with custom appliances that open the airway while they sleep. These innovative appliances are small, comfortable and easy to travel with. Patients enjoy the immediate result that a custom sleep appliance can provide. For permanent relief of symptoms orthodontic options are also available. Following treatment, patients report increased energy, focus and overall quality of life. Because obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous condition, if you believe you or a loved one may suffer from it, please call to schedule your free consultation.
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