Issue 51.12
One of the purposes of the Senior Sampler is to introduce the community to resources and providers that promote health and wellness. We recently caught up with Dr. Shad Morris and Bret Jorgensen at Premier Sleep Solutions to ask them some questions regarding risks of sleep apnea and treatment options.
Q: What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to all of your organs including your heart and brain.
Q: What are some of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?
In addition to snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea can cause memory loss, morning headaches, irritability, depression, decreased sex drive and impaired concentration.
Q: What kind of treatment does Dr. Morris provide at Premier Sleep Solutions treatment center?
Dr. Shad Morris, DMD has been providing successful ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY treatment for the last 8 years in Southern Utah. This therapy is an alternative to the CPAP machine and face mask at night. The dental oral device helps to bring the soft tissue in the back of the throat and open the airway to stop the snoring and the apnea. There are no cords, no machines, and no noise.
Q: What happens during an apnea event?
People with sleep apnea may snore loudly and stop breathing for short periods of time. When the blood-oxygen level drops low enough, the body momentarily wakes up to breath. It can happen so fast that you may not be aware you woke up. This can happen hundreds of times a night, and you may wake up in the morning feeling unrefreshed.
Q: What are the dangers of Sleep apnea?
Sufferers of sleep apnea have a much higher risk of stroke and heart problems, such as heart attack, congestive heart failure, dementia and hypertension. Sleep apnea patients are also more likely to be involved in an accident at the workplace or while driving. Sleep apnea is rather common and potentially a life-threatening medical disorder. More than 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, and many are not
diagnosed. It is estimated that more than 138,000 deaths a year are caused by Sleep Apnea.
Q: What kind of people experience Sleep apnea?
Although a number of risk factors lead to sleep apnea (e.g., older adults, obesity), men and women of any age or body type can experience sleep apnea. Many people don’t know that most insurance companies will cover treatment when diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
For more information and treatment, contact the Premier Sleep Solutions treatment center at 435-674-2100 or visit www.premiersleepsolutions.com