If youre one of the approximately 18 million people that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you might have already seen a doctor for treatment. OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat obstruct breathing to prevent continuous airflow during sleep. Apnea means a cessation of breathing. This interruption in breathing causes the individual to partially awake repeatedly throughout the night, thus disrupting proper sleep cycles. The sufferer awakes feeling unrested.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can give way to other serious health issues , including depression, high blood pressure, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning or memory problems, and falling asleep at inappropriate or dangerous times. Recent studies show resultant sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can lead to brain damage.

Sleep apnea has captured public awareness in recent years, fortunately, and science has devised effective measures to counteract this serious malady. Perhaps the most common solution for OSA is CPAP [ continuous positive airway pressure .] CPAP devices are typically worn like breathing masks you might see on a patient at a hospital. The CPAP mask utilizes an air hose to direct constant airflow through the nose, preventing collapse of soft tissues so that breathing remains consistent . CPAP devices are very effective when used properly. (more)

Lack of sleep worsens periodontal disease . During a study conducted in Japan, 219 factory workers were evaluated to determine the affect their lifestyles had on their oral health. Researchers examined lifestyle habits, including: exercise, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, amount of sleep, nutrition, stress, number of hours worked, and eating breakfast. The study revealed the number-one factor impacting periodontal disease was smoking. However, the number two factor was sleep.

Participants who obtained seven to eight hours of sleep a night exhibited a slower progression of periodontal disease than those who received six or fewer hours a night. Researchers concluded that a shortage of sleep can impair the bodys immune system, which can make periodontal disease progress more rapidly. (more)

Sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness not only lead to foggy days, but increase the risk of death for people 65 years and older . A recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania Health System showed the combination of the two disorders significantly increased the risk.

The study conducted from 1993 through 1998 revealed that suffers of both sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness were two times more likely to die than those who complained of just one of these disorders.

Half of the participants experienced high levels of excessive daytime sleepiness. The problem, believed to be a normal effect of aging, creates a greater chance of falling, cognitive deficits, and functional impairments. (more)

In a ground-breaking study, researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have found that individuals who average less than six hours of sleep a night are 50% more like to increase their risk of colorectal adenomas than those individuals who get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Adenomas are precursors to cancer tumors, and if left untreated, they turn malignant.

According to Dr. Li Li, the studys principal investigator, this is the first study to report the association between sleep duration and colorectal adenomas. A short amount of sleep can now be viewed as a new risk factor for the development of colon cancer, Dr. Li explained. (more)

According to WrongDiagnosis.com, there are 12 million Americans who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) . Thats one in 22 or nearly 4.5% of the population. The startling statistic is the undiagnosed cases, though. About 10 million Americans dont know that they have obstructive sleep apnea. They live with the symptoms and problems from OSA, yet they never seek treatment because they dont realize the problem or they think that what theyre experiencing is normal.

However, obstructive sleep apnea is serious. It can increase the risk for heart attack and premature death. If you or your loved one shows one or more of these symptoms, please call my office, James Stewart, DDS, PA, in Livonia, Michigan . I have helped many people realize improved sleep and better quality living with non-invasive dental sleep medicine.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Loud snoring
• Abruptly waking while choking or gasping for air
• Tiredness, fatigue
• Irritability (more)

I thought Id tell you about some recent data regarding our veterans and sleep apnea.

Experts arent exactly sure why, but about 20% of American war veterans suffer with sleep apnea. Some believe that the smoke and dust the vets inhaled in Afghanistan may be to blame. Problem is, sleep apnea causes daytime drowsiness, forgetfulness, irritability, and an inability to focus. It can also contribute to stroke and heart disease. The Veterans Administration invests $500 million each year to provide treatment to these individuals.

While CPAP is the gold standard for sleep apnea treatment, its not the only option. In many cases, people who use CPAP find the device uncomfortable, ill fitting, or confining during sleep. This leads to noncompliance, meaning patients who dont like it dont use it.

As a sleep apnea dentist, I offer an alternative. My name is Dr. James Stewart, and my Livonia, Michigan dental office provides oral appliances to combat sleep apnea. Whether youre a veteran or not, if you suffer from sleep apnea, and you cant tolerate CPAP, call me to schedule a visit. Well discuss your situation and talk about practical treatment options, so you can get back to living life to the fullest! (more)

I am trying to learn all I can about sleep medicine. As part of my education the staff at St. Mary Mercy Hospitals Sleep Disorders Center suggested that I have a sleep test of my own. What a great idea for me to experience what I suggest many of my patients have done!

Prior to my test, there was a questionnaire to fill out as well as some basic instructions to follow such as maintaining my regular sleep times, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, etc. I arrived at 9:00pm for my study and like most patients who have this test done, I was tired.

The room where I was to spend the night was just like a hotel room. It was very comfortable and quiet with a chair and TV, nothing clinical about it. The technologist, Eric did a great job of explaining what was going to happen that night and what he would be monitoring. And there is a lot that is monitored! (more)