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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.