Obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA) is a common and life-threatening sleep disorder thought to
affect more than 20 million Americans. Yet its dangers are only beginning to be
understood by the public at large.
OSA can affect children
and adults regardless of gender or race. Recent public awareness campaigns
backed by clinical research and an increasing number of treatment options
available through the growing field of dental sleep
medicine have helped educate people about the potential risks of OSA and
other forms of sleep apnea as well as the importance of early diagnosis and
treatment.
If not treated,
obstructive sleep apnea can increase your risk for:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Impotence
- Anxiety disorders
- Gastric reflux
- Fibromyalgia
Some recent studies
also suggest a link between sleep apnea and a risk for developing certain forms
of cancer.
If you or your partner
experiences nightly loud snoring or other sleep apnea symptoms,
a qualified sleep dentist may be able to diagnose your condition and recommend
a custom sleep apnea treatment. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
devices are just one treatment option; for many patients, oral appliances are a
comfortable and effective way of correcting the airway blockage that leads to
OSA.
If you would like to
learn more about sleep apnea assessment and treatment, please contact IHateCPAP.com to
locate a dentist near you who specializes in sleep apnea diagnosis and
treatment.