What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition most well known for loud snoring. Apnea literally means “a cessation of breath”, when a person with this condition falls asleep the airway becomes obstructed; this obstruction is caused by the soft tissue and muscles in the back of the throat, primarily the tongue, relaxing and then collapsing in on the airway. This blockage of the airway causes abnormal pauses in breathing, these “apneas” result in snoring and gasping for breath.
Snoring is not the only problem associated with sleep apnea. Most people do not realize the range of adverse medical problems that are linked with sleep apnea. There is an increase in the risk of stroke, hypertension, and heart problems are just a few side effects of untreated apnea. When the sleeping body is not getting the proper amount of oxygen and not purging enough bad carbon dioxide, the stress and pressure on the heart is elevated. Leaving sleep apnea untreated for long stretches of time will cause far more damage to one’s health than just the annoyance made from snoring.
Symptoms
The symptoms that someone may have obstructive sleep apnea are loud snoring followed with brief bouts of silence (which takes place when the breathing actually stops), gasping for breath, daytime fatigue, impaired alertness, slow reaction time and vision problems. The daytime drowsiness is a result of getting poor sleep; this effects not only daily productivity but also enhances the risk of automobile accidents due to "driving drowsy".
Treatment
People suffering from OSA should make finding sleep apnea treatment a number one priority. Not only will the snoring be stopped but the adverse medical effect s of poor sleep will be as well. One of the best treatment options available is Oral Appliance Therapy; oral appliances are typically crafted by dentists trained in the field of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Rogers is one of only two sleep apnea doctors in Frederick, Maryland that is a part of the prestigious continuing education association, The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). He is the local expert on helping treat sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliances for most people are a great alternative to CPAP therapy. A properly fitted oral appliance will help to keep the airway unobstructed during sleep by either retaining the tongue in its position, or slightly advancing the mandible (lower jaw). CPAP therapy requires wearing a facemask to sleep at night that forces air down into the airway; while CPAP does have high success for treatment most people will discontinue its use, for many it is too noisy and uncomfortable.
For people living in or around the Frederick area contact Dr. Roger’s office today and schedule an appointment. Treating this condition can literally turn your life around overnight!
