Issue 29.17
Do you drool or snore during sleep? One of these actions could be harmless, but the other could be a sign that you’re suffering from a serious health condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea repeatedly causes the body to stop breathing during the night, and it can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions like high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Sleep apnea has also been linked to depression.
Believe it or not, drooling during sleep is perfectly normal (even though it can be embarrassing if you fall asleep in public, like on an airplane). Since the mouth always makes saliva, it just makes sense that if you sleep with your mouth open, saliva will come out. On the other hand, while some snoring is harmless, it could be a sign that you’re suffering from sleep apnea.
Most people who suffer from sleep apnea don’t even realize they have this problem. These potential sleep apnea sufferers probably don’t even know they snore. In fact, it’s usually the person’s sleeping partner who notices the snoring in the first place. If an individual snores, and is always tired during the day, there’s a chance that he or she has sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can often be diagnosed based on medical and family histories, a physical exam and sleep study results.
Premier Sleep Solutions specializes in treating patients suffering from sleep apnea by fitting them with custom-made oral appliances. These appliances, which are similar to bleach trays in appearance, can often be used in place of continuous positive airway pressure (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, many patients find CPAP machines to be so cumbersome that they eventually refuse to use them regularly.
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 or to schedule a sleep consultation, contact Premier Sleep Solutions in St. George at (435)319-0478 or visit www.premiersleepsolutions.com. Premier Sleep Solutions has offices in St. George and Salt Lake City. The St. George office address is 75 South 100 East, #1E, St. George, UT 84770.
Dr. Shad Morris, DMD, is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, a certified diplomate of the American Academy of Sleep and Breathing, and CEO of Premier Sleep Solutions LLC.