Issue 14.16
Snoring isn’t just noisy. It could indicate that the person snoring has a serious health problem known as sleep apnea. Not all people who snore have sleep apnea, but those who do almost always snore. If you snore loudly, and you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you may have sleep apnea.. Sleep apnea causes people to momentarily stop and start breathing when they sleep. This condition is becoming increasingly common, especially in men, because of obesity. In fact, it’s estimated that some 25 million Americans now suffer from sleep apnea-and many of these cases are not even diagnosed (sleep specialists can diagnose sleep apnea).
Besides drowsiness during the day, sleep apnea can be directly linked to morning headaches, mood swings, heart problems (including high blood pressure) and memory or learning problems. One recent study even revealed that men with sleep apnea were twice as likely to suffer from depression as men without this condition.
Premier Sleep Solutions specializes in treating patients suffering from sleep apnea by fitting them with custom-made oral appliances.
In the past, the primary method for treating sleep apnea was to have a patient use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Premier Sleep Solutions’ oral appliances, which are similar to bleach trays in appearance, can often be used in place of CPAP machines. While CPAP machines have been used for years, recent research has shown that in many cases, custom-made oral appliances can be as effective as CPAP in treating sleep apnea. Plus, a substantial percentage of patients find CPAP machines to be so cumbersome that they eventually refuse to use them regularly, and as a result, their overall health suffers.
Most insurance companies now cover oral appliance therapy and the oral appliances. Medicare is leading the way relative to standard of care within the industry.
For a limited time, Premier Sleep Solutions in St. George is offering free sleep consultations. This is normally a $200 value.
For more information about oral appliances or to schedule a patient consultation, please contact Premier Sleep Solutions in St. George at (435)319-0478 or visit our website at www.premiersleepsolutions.com<http://premiersleepsolutions.com/>. Premier Sleep Solutions has offices in St. George and Salt Lake City. The St. George office is located at 75 South 100 East, #1E, St. George, UT 84770.
Dr. Shad Morris, DMD, is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep
Medicine, the only certified diplomate of the American Academy of Sleep and Breathing in Southern Utah, and CEO of Premier Sleep Solutions LLC. Recently joined the Board of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy.