Friday, June 27, 2014

A Musical Solution to Sleep Apnea?

A group of sleep apnea patients in Vermont have stumbled upon a novel treatment idea for taking back their health: sessions where they play the didgeridoo, a horn-like instrument native to Australia notable for producing long, sustained notes. For the less musically inclined, a variety of sleep apnea appliances can also clear the airway and help facilitate better breathing.

The basic premise of oral appliance therapy is to move the jaw slightly forward and make it easier for breath to enter the body. Patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea get less oxygen during sleep because structures in the airway collapse, blocking the flow of breath.

When the tongue, tonsils, and other muscles or soft tissue obstruct the airway, it can increase a patient's risk for a wide range of major health issues. Oral appliances that can keep the airway open and breathing steady during sleep include:

·         Mouth guards
·         Oral splints
·         Mandibular positioners
·         Oral ventilation devices

Oral appliances come in a variety of different designs. A sleep doctor can assess your condition and recommend treatment options that will allow you a good night's rest while keeping your airway open and combating the onset of snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.

Please contact a qualified sleep physician in your area or call 1-866-727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK) to schedule a consultation to learn more about sleep apnea diagnosis and whether oral appliance treatment is right for you.

http://www.ihateheadaches.org/