|
|
SLEEP APNEA
Do You or Someone You Love Snore at Night?
Information about Sleep Apnea
What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is
the most common sleep disorder, affecting nearly 1 in 8 individuals. Snoring is
the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep. While snoring can be harmless,
it can also be the sign of a more serious medical condition known as obstructive
sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue and soft tissues fall
back into the throat during sleep, completely blocking the airway. Similar to obstructive
sleep apnea, hypopnea is a partial blockage of the airway during sleep. Obstructive
sleep apnea as well as hypopnea decrease the efficiency of sleep and are associated
with daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea also adversely affects
cardiovascular health.
What treatments are available? Dr. Cahn is a diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Working closely with pulmonologists who, through sleep studies, determine the severity of the condition and the patient’s needs, Dr. Cahn makes comfortable
oral appliances to greatly reduce or eliminate apnea. Snoring is improved and often eliminated in almost
100 percent of patients who use oral appliances.
Oral Appliance Therapy Oral appliance therapy involves the selection, design, fitting and
use of an oral appliance that, when worn during sleep, maintains an opened and unobstructed airway in the throat. Oral appliances that
treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth-guards. Oral appliances
work by repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula and stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue.
|