Sleep Apnea Treatments in Slidell LA
Snoring Solutions
SLEEP. BREATHE. LIVE BETTER!
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back to the throat. This blocks the upper airway causing air flow to stop. When the oxygen level drops low enough the brain moves out of deep sleep and the individual partially awakens. The airway then contracts and opens causing the obstruction in the throat to clear. The flow of air starts again usually with a loud gasp. This scenario may occur many times during the night. In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, studies show that sleep apnea patients are much more likely to suffer from heart problems (heart attack, congestive heart failure, hypertension), strokes, as well as having a higher incidence of work related and driving related accidents.
SNORING
Snoring can be harmless but it can also be a sign of OSA. Snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse onto themselves and vibrate against each other as we attempt to move air through them. This produces the sound we know as snoring. Determination of proper therapy can only be made by a joint consultation of your dentist and physician. Your dentist will continue to monitor your treatment and evaluate the response of your teeth and jaws.
TREATMENT OPTIONS: ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY Oral appliances are worn in the mouth to treat snoring and OSA. These devices are similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth guards. Oral Appliance Therapy involves the selection, design, fitting and use of a custom designed oral appliance that is worn during sleep.
– repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula
– stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue
– increasing the muscle tone of the tongue
ADVANTAGES OF ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY
– Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear.
– Oral appliances are small and convenient making them easy to carry when traveling
– Treatment with oral appliances is reversible and non-invasive
Could Snoring Lead To Alzheimer’s?
Your snoring may be killing you. New research suggests sleep apnea may be speeding up memory loss and possibly the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Snoring could be a sign of sleep apnea.
New York University researchers believe the study adds to the emerging story that sleep apnea may be contributing in some way to the acceleration of cognitive decline as you age.
Dr. Caroline Barton, LSU Health Neurologist, explains what happens during a night of restless sleep.
“When you go into a deep restful sleep, your brain rids itself of toxins and it can’t do it if your sleep is constantly interrupted by micro-awakening,” Dr. Barton said.
Some people with severe sleep apnea stop breating frequently.
“They can sometimes wake up once every minute or possibly twice every minute,” Dr. Barton noted.
She says many who suffer don’t even know they are suffering.
“Wives usually know,” Dr. Barton laughed. “People that rent fishing camps together know it, yes, a lot of other people know it but generally the person who has it doesn’t know it.”
“It is toxic for the brain to have untreated especially severe sleep apnea,” said Dr. Barton. “Everybody deserves a good night’s sleep and they should make a point of getting it.”
Research has shown that sleep apnea is very common in older adults, affecting as many as 53 percent of men and 26 percent of women and may go undiagnosed.
Could Snoring Lead To Alzheimer’s – a WWL article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_apnea
To learn more, please call the office at (985) 643-2040.
