Snoring & Sleep Apnea - Do you or a loved one snore?

You may think of snoring as a mild nuisance, but it can actually be indicative of a serious sleep-breathing disorder known as sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when soft tissues block air passages. A variety of factors can contribute to snoring, including tongue and jaw position, throat size, and tonsil or adenoid size. Snoring does not necessarily indicate sleep apnea, and many patients who snore do not have sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea occurs when the airways are blocked to the extent that the person stops breathing at intervals of ten seconds or longer. The continual oxygen deprivation prevents the person from receiving a restful night’s sleep, because he or she must awaken enough to breathe. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, acid reflux, heartburn, depression, and memory loss.

If you snore, gasp for breath at night, or sleep restlessly, you may have sleep apnea. Other signs include dry mouth, dizziness, inability to concentrate, morning headaches, irritability, and falling asleep when driving, reading or sitting quietly. A sleep study will help Dr. Hornstein determine if you suffer from sleep apnea.

Three methods of treatment include surgery, using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), and wearing a custom fit oral appliance at night. In many cases, Dr. Hornstein can provide CPAP intolerant patients with an alternative.  Dr. Hornstein will consult with you to determine which kind of oral appliance is right for you.

A Life That Ended Too Early – Rev. Reggie White, Super Bowl Champion, had sleep apnea. He died in his sleep before he reached his 44^th birthday.

The Center for Advanced Dentistry / www.cfad.net