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Do you sleep with a snorer? They could have Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea can affect everyone from babies to adults. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 25% of women and 10% of men experience some type of Sleep Apnea. Some of the signs you or a loved one may have sleep apnea are: fatigue, snoring, waking suddenly feeling the person is gasping or choking, or dry mouth or sore throat after sleeping. Children may display different symptoms such as: trouble in school, inward movement of the rib cage when inhaling, unusual sleeping positions, and more. 

“Besides not being able to get a good night’s rest, sleep apnea sufferers may be more prone to higher blood pressure and a decreased flow of oxygen to the brain. This may cause fatigue during the day and if left untreated can lead to impaired daytime function.  If you have a weakened heart already, sleep apnea can aggravate your condition by placing stress on your heart while you sleep.  This can lead to heart attack and possibly stroke,” explains Dr. Andrew Frangella. It can affect more than just your sleep, so if you think you may have symptoms, it’s important to check with your dentist for a full evaluation. For more information on treatments and sleep apnea, check out our treatment options, or contact us.

Fotolia_38233787_XS-300x199diagnosed with this sleep disorder but have not sought treatment. And, many do not fully understand exactly what sleep apnea is. Sleep apnea is a condition where an individual stops breathing for ten seconds or more during sleep. This typically can happen between ten and sixty times in a single night. The two types of sleep apnea are: Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common type of apnea; and Central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is due to relaxation of the muscles around the throat causing an obstruction of air flow in to the nose and mouth. And, Central sleep apnea is caused by a disruption in the signal from the brain that controls breathing. Besides not being able to get a good nights rest, sleep apnea sufferers may be more prone to higher blood pressure and a decreased flow of oxygen to the brain. This may cause fatigue during the day and if left untreated can lead to impaired daytime function.  If you have a weakened heart already, sleep apnea can aggravate your condition by placing stress on your heart while you sleep.  This can lead to heart attack and possibly stroke. The gold standard for treatment of most sleep apnea patients is use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure system or more commonly known as CPAP. This type of machine provides constant pressure to help keep the airway open. Some patients are unable to tolerate the CPAP system and then are prescribed by their sleep physicians to have an oral appliance made to help keep the airway open. This appliance is made at your dental office. Your dentist will then  fit adjust and monitored your treatment with the oral appliance.  ]]>