Monday, April 23, 2012

Dental Sleep Medicine Treatment may Reduce Risk for Depression and Other Sleep Apnea Symptoms


Because the various forms of sleep apnea, including the potentially deadly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), prevent sufferers from getting the restful continuous sleep needed to function properly during their waking hours, it has long been suspected that sleep apnea contributes to depression.

A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strengthens that link. The study focused on nearly 10,000 adults and indicated that the likelihood of depression increased the more participants reported sleeping interruptions such as gasping and stopping breathing.

Approximately 6 percent of men and 3 percent of women in the study had been previously diagnosed with OSA. Other participants were not diagnosed with sleep apnea, but reported sleep apnea symptoms including snorting, gasping and daytime fatigue.

While previous studies have established a connection between insomnia and depression, the CDC study is the first to examine the bond between sleep apnea and depression. The CDC findings were published in the April issue of the journal Sleep.

Depression is just one of the potential complications of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, particularly OSA, can also increase your risk for hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

Fortunately, sleep apnea is treatable. There are a number of comfortable, effective sleep apnea treatments, including dental sleep medicine options which employ custom oral appliances to maintain an open airway.

If you suffer from the symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you.

http://www.ihateheadaches.org/