Obstructive sleep apnea affects around 20 million Americans and can lead to hypertension, heart attack, stroke, depression, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

The Importance of Sleep Apnea Testing and How a Dentist can Help


Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially life-threatening health problem suffered by tens of millions of Americans, and it often goes undiagnosed. While home sleep apnea tests are increasing in popularity because they offer convenience and cost-effectiveness over sleep centers, they may miss mild, developing instances of OSA.

A May 14, 2013, article in The Wall Street Journal found that home testing is usually accurate for those with moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea. However, because home sleep tests do not monitor brain-wave patterns, they may overestimate your actual sleep time and underevaluate your rate of apnea events.

Home sleep tests have a success rate of 80 to 90 percent, according to the author of an Emory University sleep center study on home testing accuracy who was quoted in the article. Additional testing catches most remaining cases.

The key is to undergo testing. Many patients ignore common signs of obstructive sleep apnea, such as loud, regular snoring.

In addition to snoring, other sleep apnea symptoms include:
  • Recurring daytime drowsiness
  • Waking up choking or gasping for air
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Morning headaches
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, a dentist with training in the field of dental sleep medicine can assess your condition; if necessary, your dentist may arrange a home test or refer you to a sleep center. In many cases, your dentist can help you and your family restore healthy, restful sleep through the use of a comfortable and effective oral appliance.

 To learn more about sleep apnea testing and to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you, please contact I Hate CPAP. We welcome patients from Wisconsin, Illinois and across the United States.

posted by Steve at 1:38 PM

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The Wide-Reaching Impacts of Obstructive Sleep Apnea


The effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can impact every area of your life, from work or school to your relationships to your health.

The symptoms of sleep apnea often emerge with snoring. Although snoring alone does not mean you suffer from OSA, it is the most widely reported symptom; the snoring associated with sleep apnea is generally loud, nightly snoring that becomes progressively more intense.

Snoring may be accompanied by waking from sleep choking or gasping for air. Because individuals with sleep apnea experience breathing interruptions during sleep and are not receiving sufficient restful sleep, the adverse effects of OSA begin to present themselves during waking hours.

Those with sleep apnea may suffer from morning headaches, chronic daytime fatigue, difficulty focusing, symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood swings, memory problems, anxiety and depression among other symptoms. These factors can impact your ability to drive and focus on job-related or school-related tasks.

Obstructive sleep apnea can also heighten your risk for severe health problems including hypertension, heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrhythmia. While the chances of developing OSA increase with age, sleep apnea can affect anyone regardless of age, race or gender.

If you or a loved one experiences regular snoring in addition to other sleep apnea symptoms, it is advisable to undergo an exam and evaluation with a dentist who is qualified in the field of dental sleep medicine. There are a number of comfortable and effective sleep apnea treatment options available, including custom-made oral appliances similar to sports mouthguards.

 Please contact I Hate CPAP to locate a knowledgeable sleep dentist near you. We are proud to help sleep apnea sufferers and their family members from Wisconsin, Illinois and across the United States.

posted by Steve at 7:36 AM

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Changes in Diet, Exercise May Prevent Sleep Apnea Progress, Limit Risk for Associated Health Problems


Losing weight through a combination of diet and exercise can have long-term health benefits for those with sleep apnea, including preventing the progress of the condition and possibly lowering the risks of some severe health problems associated with sleep apnea, according to a recent study.

Nearly 20 million Americans are thought to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in which a person’s breathing stops repeatedly during sleep and which has been linked to a heightened risk for heart attack, hypertension and stroke. Sleep apnea is especially common among the obese, and a four-year study in Finland focused on obese adults with mild sleep apnea and the effects of lifestyle counseling, and dietary and fitness changes.

In the initial stages of the study, researchers separated 81 obese adults with sleep apnea into two groups: the first group underwent lifestyle counseling, exercised regularly and switched to a low-calorie diet; the second group was given general diet and physical activity information.

The study demonstrated clear health benefits in those who received the lifestyle intervention. The question was, Would the effects last?

After four years, researchers followed up with 57 participants from the two groups. Those in the intervention group were mostly successful in maintaining their weight-loss while most of those in the comparison group had gained some weight.

Furthermore, none of the intervention group’s participants had seen their sleep apnea progress to a severe form of the condition. Twelve participants of the control group went from mild to moderate sleep apnea, while two developed severe sleep apnea.

Obesity is one of the main risk factors for OSA and other forms of sleep apnea, and those who are both overweight and suffer from sleep apnea face an increased risk for diabetes. The findings of this and other recent studies indicate that the sooner people are diagnosed with sleep apnea and make lifestyle changes accompanied by sleep apnea treatment, the better the chance for preventing the progression of sleep apnea and its accompanying health hazards.

If you or a loved one experiences regular, chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact I Hate CPAP to locate a dentist near you who is qualified in the field of dental sleep medicine. We welcome patients from Wisconsin, Illinois and across the United States.

posted by Steve at 9:20 AM

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Sleep Apnea Awareness Day Shines Light on Dangers, Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Condition


Today is Sleep Apnea Awareness Day, and while it may not be the most celebratory of holidays, it is an important reminder of the potentially fatal health risks faced by the nearly 20 million Americans thought to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Sleep Apnea Awareness Day is a multi-organizational effort intended to raise awareness about the dangers of sleep apnea as well as inform people about the increasing availability of sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. Many people ignore snoring and other symptoms of sleep apnea because they either do not associate these symptoms with a life-threatening condition or they believe the only treatment for sleep apnea is the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices.

Sleep apnea, particularly OSA, has been linked to a heightened risk for severe health problems including hypertension, heart attack and stroke. While CPAP treatment, which requires patients to wear a mask attached to a device that circulates oxygen to help maintain an open airway, is effective when used regularly over an extended period of time, many patients find the units cumbersome and uncomfortable, and discontinue its use.

The field of dental sleep medicine, however, offers a number of effective and comfortable alternatives to CPAP. Many patients find success in managing their sleep apnea with the use of custom-made oral appliances similar to sports mouthguards.

If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment or locate a dentist near you who is qualified in dental sleep medicine, please contact I Hate CPAP. We welcome patients from Illinois, Wisconsin and across the United States.

posted by Steve at 2:51 PM

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea


Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is thought to affect nearly 20 million Americans alone, and this life-threatening condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep can impact anyone regardless of age, gender or race.

However, there are also factors that indicate an increased risk for sleep apnea. If you suffer from regular loud snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea and any of the risk factors detailed here apply to you, it is advisable to seek diagnosis for sleep apnea.

Left untreated, OSA can lead to daytime fatigue, recurring headaches and short-term memory problems as well as heighten your risk for severe health problems such as heart attack and hypertension. Traits that indicate a greater risk for developing sleep apnea include:

  • Overweight
  • Large neck size
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Narrow airway
  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes

Smokers and those who regularly consume alcohol or sedatives are also at increased risk for sleep apnea. OSA is more common among men, especially those over the age of 60.

There are a number of effective and comfortable sleep apnea treatments available that can help you and your family restore healthy, restful sleep. Many patients find success with the nightly use of custom-made oral appliances, which are designed to fit snugly and maintain an open airway as you sleep.

If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea treatment and locate a dentist near you who is qualified in the field of dental sleep medicine, please contact I Hate CPAP. We are proud to help patients from Illinois, Wisconsin and across the country.

posted by Steve at 3:06 PM

Monday, April 8, 2013

New Research May Strengthen Link between Sleep Apnea, ADHD in Kids


Data from a long-term sleep apnea study seems to strengthen the link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and behavior and learning problems in children.

A review of data from a sleep apnea study involving 263 children between the ages of 6 and 11 indicates that children with OSA may suffer from higher rates attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), many instances of which go undiagnosed. OSA and ADHD are often shared in children, and previous research has suggested that children with sleep apnea experience higher rates of behavior problems and learning disabilities.

The initial study, known as the Tucson Children’s Assessment of Sleep Apnea Study, found that 21 children demonstrated persistent sleep apnea while another 23 developed signs of sleep apnea during the study. A recent five-year follow-up with the participants revealed some good news: 41 of the children who presented with signs of sleep apnea no longer experienced breathing problems during sleep.

However, children who showed signs of sleep apnea during the study also had a higher rate of behavior and learning problems. The full findings of the research, which was led by an assistant professor at the University of Tucson, will be published in the April issue of the journal Sleep.

If your child—or any member of your family—snores regularly or has other symptoms of sleep apnea, a knowledgeable dentist may be able to help. There are a number of comfortable and effective sleep apnea treatments available.

Left untreated, OSA can lead to worsening problems, including an increased risk for severe health problems such as hypertension and heart attack.

If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, please contact I Hate CPAP today to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you.

posted by Steve at 12:18 PM

Monday, March 18, 2013

Combination of Weight Loss, CPAP Helps Lower Blood Pressure in Sleep Apnea Patients


Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity often coexist, and both conditions are also risk factors for high blood pressure among other health problems.

While the effects of weight loss on both OSA and hypertension have been studied independently, recent research at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine focused on the potential impacts of weight loss in conjunction with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The findings indicate that a combination of weight loss and sleep apnea treatment can significantly lower blood pressure in patients with OSA.

Researchers found that complementing CPAP treatment with weight loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnea was more effective than either therapy individually. While this outcome may seem obvious, the study’s authors emphasized that their research indicates the importance of addressing both sleep apnea and obesity.

It is also important to note that while the study monitored patients who consistently used CPAP treatment for 24 weeks of therapy, many patients discontinue CPAP treatment before it has a chance to be effective. CPAP requires patients to wear a mask as they sleep; this mask is connected to a device that circulates oxygen and helps patients maintain an open airway.

But many patients find the mask uncomfortable and cumbersome, and stop treatment. Fortunately, CPAP is not the only treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea.

Many people with sleep apnea have restored healthy, restful sleep with the use of oral appliances. These comfortable devices are similar to sports mouthguards and are custom-made to fit your individual bite.

If you or a loved one suffers from loud, regular snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, a dentist with experience in the field of dental sleep medicine can help you determine whether you have obstructive sleep apnea and recommend a treatment option designed for your unique needs.

Please contact I Hate CPAP to locate a qualified dentist in your area.

posted by Steve at 10:07 AM

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Sleep Apnea Treatment Equally Effective with Primary Care Providers and Sleep Centers, Study Says


Your dentist may not be the first person you consider turning to for help in diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But the findings of a recent study indicate that an experienced primary care provider such as your dentist can treat sleep apnea just as effectively as a specialized sleep center.

It actually makes sense that a growing number of dentists are pursuing training in the field of dental sleep medicine in order to assess and treat OSA and other sleep disorders. Bite conditions and jaw alignment problems can contribute to the severity of sleep apnea, and many sleep apnea treatments utilize oral appliances similar to sports mouthguards to help patients maintain open airways as they sleep.

A recent Australian study, the findings of which were published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that sleep apnea treatment administered by properly trained primary care providers is as effective as treatment at specialist sleep disorder facilities. The study compared 81 patients treated at primary care practices with 74 patients treated at a sleep medicine center.

The study found similar and significant improvements in patients at both. However, treatment costs were about 40 percent less with primary care providers than at the sleep medicine center. Specialized sleep centers also often have long waiting lists, which can contribute to patients delaying or giving up on sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment.

If you or a loved one suffers from loud, nightly snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact I Hate CPAP to locate an experienced sleep dentist near you.

posted by Steve at 2:07 PM

Friday, March 8, 2013

Seeking Help for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea


More than 20 million Americans are thought to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a dangerous sleep disorder in which your breathing stops periodically as you sleep.

While there is no shortage of studies linking sleep apnea to a heightened risk for potentially deadly health problems such as stroke, hypertension and heart attack, the condition is often dismissed by those who suffer from it as a mere nuisance. Perhaps this is because the most common symptom of OSA is loud, chronic snoring.

Snoring is sometimes no more than an annoyance to your sleep partner and family members. But regular, heavy snoring accompanied by other sleep apnea symptoms including waking up gasping for air, morning headaches and daytime fatigue can be both bothersome and a danger to your health.

If you or a loved one suffers from recurring snoring and other symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to seek diagnosis and treatment. Today, dentists qualified in the field of dental sleep medicine offer effective and comfortable sleep apnea treatments that may be used alone or in conjunction with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices.

If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea assessment and treatment, please contact I Hate CPAP to locate an experienced sleep dentist near you.

posted by Steve at 7:53 AM

Monday, March 4, 2013

Regular Exercise May Help You Sleep Better, Reduce Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea


It is well-documented that regular exercise can decrease your risk of cardiovascular problems and improve your general health. But a recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation indicates that those who exercise also sleep better and experience fewer risk factors for sleep apnea.

The National Sleep Foundation’s 2013 Sleep in America poll surveyed 1,000 adults between the ages of 23 and 60 who self-reported their levels of physical activity as vigorous, moderate, light or no activity. Vigorous included activities such as running, cycling and swimming; moderate included weight lifting, yoga and tai chi; and light was defined as regular walking.

The survey found that people who reported their physical activities as vigorous and moderate were twice as likely to report restful sleep on a regular basis. On the flip side, symptoms of insomnia were common among those who reported little to no exercise.

As a group, non-exercisers reported more symptoms of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common and potentially deadly sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing stops repeatedly during sleep; if not treated, sleep apnea can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and other severe health complications.

According to the National Sleep Foundation survey, 44 percent of those who categorized their exercise routine as “no activity” exhibited at least a moderate risk for sleep apnea. Only 19 percent of those who listed their activity level as vigorous demonstrated risk factors for sleep apnea.

Although sleep apnea is dangerous, it is also treatable. In addition to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, there are a number of comfortable and effective sleep apnea treatments such as custom-made oral appliances similar to sports mouthguards.

If you or a loved one suffers from chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact I Hate CPAP to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you.

posted by Steve at 2:19 PM

Friday, February 22, 2013

Sleep Apnea and the Risk for Heart Problems


February is American Heart Month, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations have been highlighting the risks of heart disease and offering tips for better heart health. One key area of focus related to cardiovascular health is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Among the many dangers of sleep apnea are heightened risks for:

  • Heart attack
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Hypertension
  • Stroke

Likewise, people with sleep apnea or heart conditions often share risk factors including:

  • Being overweight
  • Having high blood pressure
  • Having diabetes

Although it is estimated that more than 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, many people with sleep apnea are not aware they have a form of this potentially deadly condition. Many sleep apnea symptoms, such as chronic snoring or frequent sleep interruptions, go unnoticed or ignored by those suffering from OSA.

Often, it is up to a partner or other family member to encourage a loved one to seek diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of dentists who specialize in the field of dental sleep medicine and a growing number of treatments.

Many instances of sleep apnea can be treated with custom-made oral appliances similar to sports mouthguards. These devices are designed to help keep your jaw in proper alignment as you sleep in order to help you maintain an open airway.

If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a qualified sleep dentist in your area.

posted by Steve at 12:44 PM

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Help for People (and their Families) Suffering from Sleep Apnea


You’ve read about the dangers of sleep apnea.

You know about chronic snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms.

What many people don’t know is where to turn for help when it comes to diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. That’s why I Hate CPAP is here.

I Hate CPAP is a network of dentists from the United States and Canada who have experience in the field of dental sleep medicine. Our experienced dentists are dedicated to helping those who suffer from sleep apnea—and their family members—restore restful, healthy sleep.

If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, please use our convenient Find a Doctor feature to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you. If not treated, sleep apnea can contribute to a heightened risk for heart attack, stroke, hypertension and other severe medical problems.

Today, there are a number of safe, effective and comfortable treatment options for sleep apnea. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices have long been the standard for sleep apnea treatment, newer remedies including oral appliances similar to mouthguards are also available. Your knowledgeable sleep dentist can assess the source of your sleep apnea and recommend the best treatment for your unique needs.

If you or a family member suffers from regular snoring or other sleep apnea symptoms, please contact IHateCPAP.com for additional information and to find an experienced sleep dentist in your area.

posted by Steve at 2:19 PM

Monday, February 18, 2013

Understanding the Risks of Sleep Apnea, Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children


Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the interrupted breathing associated with other sleep disorders can contribute to a number of problems in children, from difficulty focusing in school to behavioral changes to an increased risk for health conditions including hypertension.

Although scientists and physicians are still developing an understanding of sleep apnea causes and effects in children, a recent Finnish study shed some light on the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in children as well as risk factors that may contribute to the development of OSA and other sleep disorders.

Researchers in Finland analyzed sleep-disordered breathing in 491 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 8. Their findings were published in the December 2012 issue of the European Journal of Pediatrics and include:

  • Nearly 10 percent of the children experienced sleep-disordered breathing; the rate was the same for both boys and girls
  • Approximately 11 percent of the boys and nearly 16 percent of the girls were overweight, although body fat was not associated with an increased risk for sleep-disordered breathing in the study
  • Children with enlarged tonsils were nearly 4 times more likely to suffer from sleep-disordered breathing
  • Children with the malocclusion crossbite were more than 3 times more likely to experience sleep-disordered breathing

You should consider a consultation with a dentist who has experience in the field of dental sleep medicine if your child exhibits the following symptoms:

  • Snores regularly
  • Breathes through his or her mouth when sleeping
  • Periodically stops breathing during sleep
  • Wakes up choking or gasping for air
  • Experiences chronic daytime drowsiness

Most children with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders experience multiple symptoms, and those symptoms will vary based on a number of individual factors. For more information about signs that your child may have OSA or another sleep disorder, please see our Sleep Apnea Symptoms page.

Fortunately, there are a number of comfortable and effective sleep apnea treatments available for children and adults. Many patients are able to restore restful sleep with the use of custom-made oral appliances. Your sleep dentist can help you determine the best treatment for your unique needs.

If your child snores or suffers from other symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you.

posted by Steve at 1:34 PM

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Snoring May be a Dangerous Component of Sleep Apnea as well as a Symptom


Snoring has long been recognized as the most common symptom of the dangerous condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but a recent study indicates that snoring can also cause changes to the carotid artery that may contribute to an increased risk for a number of heart problems.

OSA has also been linked to a heightened risk for vascular conditions, but the findings of a study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit suggest that snoring can cause dangerous changes in the carotid artery among those who do not have sleep apnea. Researchers believe that the trauma and inflammation caused by regular snoring can thicken the linings of the blood vessels responsible for supplying the brain with oxygenated blood.

Researchers reviewed data for more than 900 patients evaluated by the Henry Ford Hospital sleep center. Patients were between the ages of 18 and 50, and participated in sleep studies between December 2006 and January 2012.

Researchers compared snoring habits among participants and found that those who snored had significantly more substantial thickness of the carotid arteries. Incidentally, none of the participants was diagnosed with sleep apnea.

The study’s authors believe that the risk for cardiovascular disease associated with OSA may actually stem at least in part from snoring itself. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available for those who snore, including those who also suffer from sleep apnea.

A dentist with experience in the field of dental sleep medicine can evaluate your condition and recommend a custom treatment option designed to treat the source of your snoring and/or sleep apnea and help you—and your partner—restore restful sleep.

If you or a loved one snores regularly, please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you.

posted by Steve at 12:01 PM

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Children, Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea


As awareness of the dangers of sleep apnea grows, an increasing number of parents have become concerned about whether their children may suffer from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common and dangerous type of sleep apnea, has long been linked to severe health problems such as an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension and stroke. OSA can also cause daytime drowsiness, difficulty focusing and mood changes. Mounting evidence suggests a link between sleep apnea and attention-deficit disorder in children.

As with adults, one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea in children is regular snoring. While many children snore at least occasionally, loud, chronic snoring is often an indicator of sleep apnea; disruptive snoring may also be the result of other conditions such as obesity, allergies, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to behavioral problems, impaired learning and anxiety, among other issues. The good news is that there are a number of sleep apnea treatment options available.

A dentist with experience in the field of dental sleep medicine can help determine the source of you or your child’s sleep apnea and recommend a custom treatment for your unique needs. In many cases, the use of an oral appliance similar to a sports mouthguard can effectively and comfortably treat the cause of sleep apnea and help restore restful sleep.

If you or a loved one suffers from routine snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you.

posted by Steve at 11:21 AM

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Treating Teeth Grinding and Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliances


Oral appliances custom-made by dentists with experience in the field of dental sleep medicine can actually benefit people who suffer from two common disorders that may share a link: bruxism (teeth grinding) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Bruxism is characterized by the grinding, clenching or gnashing of teeth, typically during sleep. Although bruxism can lead to severe dental problems, as well as jaw and facial pain, many people are unaware they suffer from this condition.

Likewise sleep apnea, which is most commonly associated with loud, chronic snoring, but also results in symptoms including daytime fatigue, morning headaches and difficulty focusing. If not treated, obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to a heightened risk for health problems including hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

The results of a 2009 study included demonstrating a high rate of bruxism in patients diagnosed with OSAA; the prevalence was especially high among men and Caucasians compared with other groups. Other research has demonstrated similar association between bruxism and sleep apnea.

If you, your partner or your child experiences bruxism, it’s advisable to undergo an exam by a physician with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Often, a custom-made oral appliance similar to a sports mouthguard can provide comfortable and effective treatment for both teeth grinding and sleep apnea.

If you have questions about sleep disorder assessment and treatment or would like to find a doctor near you, please contact IHateCPAP.com.

posted by Steve at 2:04 PM

Friday, December 28, 2012

Breathing Issues Related to Sleep Disorders May Affect 1 in 10 Children, Study Indicates


Breathing issues such as snoring and respiratory interruptions during sleep are most often associated with adults. But one recent study indicates that one in 10 children may suffer from breathing problems associated with sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland studied sleep disturbances among 512 children between the ages of 6 and 8. In addition to monitoring sleep disturbances, researchers reviewed children’s weight, craniofacial makeup and dental issues.

The findings of the study, which were published in the European Journal of Pediatrics, indicate that sleep disorders—such as sleep apnea—in children may not be linked with obesity, as it frequently is with adults. Rather, the study suggests that dental malocclusions such as crossbite can play a role in sleep-disordered respiration.

The message parents and physicians should draw from this research, according to the study’s authors, is that if children experience symptoms of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, they should be examined for craniofacial issues or bite conditions. On the flip side, children with known craniofacial deformities or malocclusion should have the quality of their sleep evaluated.

The findings of the Finnish study echo figures provided by the American Academy of Otolaryngology, which state that breathing issues such as snoring occur in about 10 percent of all kids and that obstructive sleep apnea occurs in about 2 to 4 percent of children. In addition to causing daytime drowsiness, mood changes and difficulty focusing, OSA can contribute to an increased risk for severe health problems including heart disease, stroke and hypertension when not treated.

There are a number of dentists nationwide who specialize in the field of dental sleep medicine, which offers customized treatment for sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. If a child’s sleep disorder is the result of a bite condition, these dentists can also help restore a symmetrical bite through custom-made oral appliances or the use of orthodontics.

To locate a dentist near you who is qualified to treat sleep apnea, please contact IHateCPAP.com.

posted by Steve at 9:29 AM

Morning Headaches? We Can Help!

Starting your day with a headache may affect your entire day.  Morning Headaches are usually easy to treat and address.  They are usually best treated without drugs.  The two most common causes of morning headaches are TMJ disorders and Sleep Apnea or Upper Airway resistance Syndrome.

Correction of the trigger that occurs in sleep can eliminate the morning headache or the one that occurs shortly after waking.  Frequently these same treatments can eliminate or minimize all headaches and migraines you experience.

This connection between sleep apnea, TMJ disorders and Headache has been examined by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute in their report "Cardiovascular and Sleep Consequences of Temporomandibular Disorders"

An oral appliance can help you mmaintain your ideal airway, eliminate snoring and sleep apnea and associated morning headaches.  Neuromuscular Dentistry is exceptional at eliminating headache and migraine problems for most patients who do not have sleep apnea.  Combination therapy can give miraculous results for many patients without the use of dangerous drugs.

Combination therapy with a night apnea appliance and a daytime Neuromuscular Orthotic may be the single best treatment for many patients who want to regain their quality of life.

Additional information on Neuromuscular Dentistry Can be found at www.ihateheadaches.org and at Sleep and Health Journal @   www.sleepandhealth.com/neuromuscular-dentistry.

My website also has excellent information on Neuromuscular Dentistry and Sleep Apnea
www.delanydentalcare.com/neuromuscular.html

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

posted by ilshapira at 8:16 AM

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Study Suggests Link between Vitamin D Deficiency, Daytime Drowsiness and Sleep Apnea


A recent study indicates a significant link between daytime drowsiness and low levels of vitamin D, and it also suggests that those with a vitamin D deficiency may be at an increased risk for developing sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The study, which was led by a team with members from the Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center and the LSU School of Medicine, focused on 81 participants who reported sleep problems and nonspecific pain. A majority of the patients were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, and all of the patients were eventually diagnosed with some type of sleep disorder.

The findings of the study, which are published in the new issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, demonstrated that higher levels of daytime drowsiness directly correlated with lower levels of vitamin D. One unexpected, but not entirely surprising, result of the study was that it indicated the disparity between vitamin D levels and sleepiness was especially high among African-American participants; the study’s authors said this is logical, because increased skin pigmentation is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency.

Like obstructive sleep apnea, a vitamin D deficiency can contribute to a heightened risk for cardiovascular disease and other health problems. Vitamin D is essential for, among other things, building and maintaining strong bones.

People can produce vitamin D naturally through exposure to sunlight, and vitamin D can also be ingested through certain foods such as fish and eggs, as well as foods and beverages fortified with vitamin D. Researchers involved in the LSU study said the relationship between a vitamin D deficiency, daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea needs deeper probing.

If you suffer from daytime drowsiness, chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, a dentist who is experienced in the field of dental sleep medicine may be able to recommend a comfortable and effective treatment.

Please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you.

posted by Steve at 9:15 AM

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Study Indicates Women with Sleep Apnea Suffer more Brain Damage than Men


A recent study from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) is an important reminder that women who snore regularly and/or have difficulty sleeping through the night should undergo an evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder with potentially deadly risks.

Although snoring—the most common symptom of sleep apnea—is more strongly associated with men than women, and while men suffer OSA more frequently than women, research from UCLA shows that women with sleep apnea sustain more damage to their brain cells than men. Previous research has established that sleep apnea can result in brain cell damage, but the recent findings in the UCLA study indicate that women suffer more brain cell damage than men, particularly in the regions of the brain that help regulate moods and decision-making.

It is believed that more than 20 million Americans may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and that many of those are either entirely undiagnosed or do not receive treatment. While sleep apnea can occur regardless of gender or age, the American College of Physicians estimates that between 4 and 9 percent of middle-aged men have OSA, and between 2 and 4 percent of middle-aged women suffer from OSA.

If not treated, obstructive sleep apnea can result in a heightened risk for severe health problems including:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiac arrhythmia

There are a number of sleep apnea treatments available through the field of dental sleep medicine. Many patients are able to restore restful sleep to themselves and their partners through the use of custom-made oral appliances.

If you or a loved one experiences loud, chronic snoring or other signs of sleep apnea such as extreme daytime drowsiness, please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a dentist near you with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders including sleep apnea.

posted by Steve at 2:29 PM