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What is Sleep Apnea?
The University Health Network describes sleep apnea as brief periods of recurrent cessation of breathing during sleep that is caused by obstruction of the airway or a disturbance in the brain's respiratory center and is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.
Who is at risk for Sleep Apnea?
People of all ages, males and females may be affected by Sleep Apnea but certain factors increase your risk. Some of the factors are:
* Excessive Weight* A Limited Airway* Neck Circumference greater than 17 inches* Hypertension* Smoking* Prolonged SittingHow is Sleep Apnea diagnosed?
Sleep Apnea is most often diagnosed by sleep physicians at Sleep Apnea centers after undergoing an overnight sleep study.
What is the treatment for Sleep Apnea?
There are several options for the treatment of Sleep Apnea. including Sleep Apnea therapy options such as CPAP or BPAP, oral appliances, and surgery are just a few options. Oral appliances are often preferred because many patients find the CPAP is noisy, cumbersome and uncomfortable and often disturbs the sleep of their bed partners. The oral appliance is also ideal for frequent travelers who want to avoid the hassle of traveling with a CPAP machine.
What does a COMPLIMENTARY consultation include?
Dr. Larson provides a Complimentary Consultation to determine whether Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is right for you. This consultation includes an oral airway examination, review of your medical history, previous sleep studies and an in depth discussion to determine the right dental appliances for Sleep Apnea.
According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 12-18 million Americans have moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing and most people with sleep disordered breathing are undiagnosed. Interruptions in breathing are potentially serious medical conditions and should be evaluated by a physician to determine whether treatment is needed. Untreated sleep - disordered breathing has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and risk factors, including high blood pressure, stoke, and diabetes. Sleep disordered breathing occurs in people of all ages, but is more common in men, the elderly and overweight individuals.
A study was performed following 1,522 generally healthy men and women for an average of 13.8 years and participants with severe sleep- disordered breathing who were not treated were four times more likely to die from any cause and five times more likely to die from cardiovascular conditions.
"NHLBI Media Availability: Sleep Apnea Linked to Increased Risk of Death" was embargoed for release August 1, 2008 by NIH (National Institute of Health) News.
Copyright 2011 Apnea & Snoring Dental Solutions of Portland: Sleep Apnea Centers. All Rights Reserved.
17895 NW Evergreen Parkway, Suite 130, Beaverton, OR 97006
(503) 713-3209
