Issue 33.16
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder occurring at night when a person does not breath for a minimum of 10 seconds or longer. The time can often be for periods of 30 to 60 seconds. Sometimes a person will be obstructed and their body will try so hard to breath that they gasp for air. You ask the average person if they think they do this, and most will say no. The spouse or bed partner will often tell a different story, saying that the person snores and gasps for air. The next morning the person with the problem can’t remember having any difficulty breathing. Men are worse than women when it comes to being in denial.
The National Sleep Foundation surveys show that 75% of Americans report at least one sleep symptom and approximately 60% of adults drive while drossy. Between the ages of 30 and 60, 24% of men and 9% of women have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Within the obese population 50% of men and 60% of women have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The national epidemic of obesity is why there are so many people from youth to the aged that have sleep apnea. Left untreated, people complain of excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems, and other health issues. Sleep Apnea tends to bring on problems with high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, weight gain, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, to name a few. You see the odds are high that you may nave sleep apnea. Come to my office to for a free consultation. I will make a referral to a sleep physician specialist to diagnose your condition. I will let you know if you are a possible candidate for an oral sleep appliance that can treat your Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It is covered by medical insurance.
Phillip Hall is a practicing general dentist in St. George. He is also head of the St. George Craniofacial Treatment Center, and operates St. George Dental Careers, a successful dental assisting school . Appointments for general dentistry or dentures call 656-1111. For sleep apnea appliances or TMJ problems call 435-634-8338.