Sleep Apnea

Snoring can be an embarrassment and a nuisance, but more than that, it can also be a warning sign of a larger problem. About twenty percent of people who snore actually stop breathing during the night – a condition called sleep apnea. This condition has been linked to daytime drowsiness, memory loss, and even heart disease and premature death. Dr. Shaftel can treat snoring and sleep apnea, often with a simple oral appliance worn at night.

Apnea comes from the Greek word meaning “without breath.” Patients with sleep apnea literally stop breathing several, even hundreds, of times throughout the night. The brain awakens the body enough to breathe, although patients are often unaware of any problems. The poor/fragmented quality of sleep can cause many symptoms, including:

• Daytime drowsiness (even after devoting plenty of time to sleep)
• Trouble concentrating/falling asleep during daily tasks (driving, watching TV, working)
• Depression or mood swings
• Memory loss

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Weight gain
• Impotency
• Headaches

Sleep apnea and snoring can typically be attributed to blocked airways. The tongue and throat tissues are the most common culprits, and the position of the jaw can also play a role. As your general dentist, Dr. Shaftel can work with a sleep specialist to determine whether you suffer from sleep apnea. A custom oral appliance that depresses the tongue and holds the jaw forward can provide relief for many patients. It’s called oral appliance therapy.

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