Sleep Apnea Poses Risk to Pregnant Women, Infants, Study Indicates

Women who suffer from untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during pregnancy may face an increased risk for health problems, as could their babies, according to a study recently published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Research focused on 175 pregnant women, who were tested for OSA at their homes using a portable sleep monitoring device. Approximately 15 percent of the women were diagnosed with OSA.

Women with OSA had higher weights and were more likely to show signs of high blood pressure than those without sleep apnea. Infants born to women with OSA were more likely to require admission to neonatal intensive care than babies born to women without sleep apnea.

Women with sleep apnea were also more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy and to require delivery by Cesarean section.

The study further illustrates the importance of treating sleep apnea, regardless of gender. As awareness of sleep apnea’s dangers grow and the number of treatment options increase, so does the number of dentists who have become qualified in the field of dental sleep medicine.

Many dentists offer safe, comfortable and effective sleep apnea treatment options, including custom-made oral appliances. If you or your partner experiences regular snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, an experienced sleep dentist may be able to help.

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

Treating Sleep Apnea in Children may also Reduce Effects of ADHD

The link between sleep apnea and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children has grown increasingly strong in recent years.

While it is not yet known to what extent sleep apnea and other sleep disorders may contribute to ADHD, it is known that many children diagnosed with ADHD are found to suffer from sleep disturbances. One study indicated that about half of the parents whose children suffer from ADHD reported their children had difficulty sleeping. Many of those parents also said their children felt tired upon waking, experienced daytime drowsiness or had regular nightmares, all of which are symptoms of sleep apnea.

Either alone or in conjunction with one another, sleep apnea and ADHD can pose problems for children beyond the lack of restful sleep. Children with sleep apnea or ADHD are often prone to obesity, have difficulty focusing, have behavior problems and demonstrate diminished cognitive skills.

The good news is that diagnosis and treatment for ADHD and sleep apnea have expanded with increased awareness of both conditions. Likewise, a number of studies have demonstrated that treating sleep apnea and other sleep disorders in children with ADHD can reduce the impairments associated with ADHD.

Because many symptoms of ADHD and sleep apnea are shared, it’s advisable to consult with a dentist who is qualified in the field of dental sleep medicine if there are indicators that your child may have ADHD.

To locate an experienced sleep dentist in your area, please contact IHateCPAP.com.

How can Dental Sleep Medicine Treat My Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a dangerous sleep disorder that can increase your risk of developing a number of potentially fatal medical conditions if left untreated.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices have long been the standard for treating OSA. CPAP helps users maintain an unobstructed airway as they sleep via a mask that continuously circulates oxygen.

However, few people stick with CPAP long enough to enjoy the benefits because many people find the mask cumbersome or claustrophobic. In recent years, the field of dental sleep medicine has evolved to include effective and more comfortable means of helping those with OSA and other types of sleep apnea correct airway blockage and restore restful sleep for OSA sufferers and their partners.

In addition to CPAP, today’s sleep apnea treatments include the use of oral appliances similar to sports mouthguards. These appliances help users hold their jaw in proper alignment as they sleep, and they help prevent the tongue and soft tissue in the throat from collapsing and blocking the airway.

If you or your partner suffers from chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, a dentist experienced in dental sleep medicine can help assess whether you have sleep apnea and recommend a treatment plan for you.

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

American Academy of Pediatrics Recommends Sleep Apnea Testing for Children who Snore

According to new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, all children should be screened for snoring—and children who do snore should receive additional testing for sleep apnea.

The recommendations were published in the most recent issue of the medical journal Pediatrics and were based on a review of 350 studies on sleep apnea and children. “It is important for children exhibiting signs of [obstructive sleep apnea] to get a comprehensive diagnosis … If left untreated, [obstructive sleep apnea] can result in problems such as behavioral issues, cardiovascular problems, poor growth and developmental delays.”

In children, adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea. The AAP recommends that children who suffer from this condition have their tonsils and adenoids removed.

Although snoring is common among those who suffer from sleep apnea, most people experience multiple sleep apnea symptoms, and not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. This, coupled with the dangers of sleep apnea, is why the AAP advises sleep testing for children who snore.

There are a number of comfortable and effective sleep apnea treatments available for both children and adults. A dentist with experience in the field of dental sleep medicine can help you determine if you suffer from sleep apnea and recommend a custom treatment option such as an oral appliance.

If you or a loved one snores or experiences other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a qualified sleep dentist near you.