Best Sleep Apnea Treatments.com

Have you ever noticed how often snoring is used to get a laugh on TV sitcoms and cartoons? Actually, thereâ??s nothing funny about it. Snoring is a serious medical and social problem that can cause social ridicule, sleeplessness, and a host of serious health problems including obstructive sleep apnea. 25% of adults snore habitually. And without treatment, it doesnâ??t get any better. While overweight males are at the greatest risk, women are not immune, and the problem only grows worse as we age.

Why Do We Snore?

Snoring occurs when the passages at the back of the mouth and nose do not have a free flow of air. This is called â??obstructionâ?? and usually occurs when the soft tissues in that area collapse during sleep, causing the tongue to meet briefly with the soft palate (top part of your mouth in the back) and the uvula (the â??bellâ?? in the back of your throat). The vibrations are what cause the snoring sound.

Snorers may also suffer from:

· Poor oral muscle tone. Relaxed tongue and throat muscles can cut off airflow. Deep sleep, alcohol and sleep medications can contribute to poor muscle tone.

· Large tonsils and adenoids. Excess throat tissue can cause snoring. This is why children sometimes snore. Being overweight can cause excess neck tissue, which is why snoring is more common in overweight individuals. Rarely, a cyst or tumors can be the problem.

· Long uvula and/or soft palate. Individuals with a â??long palateâ?? have a narrower opening between the nose and throat that can create noise during the relaxed breathing of deep sleep. A longer than normal uvula worsens the situation.

· Nasal airway obstruction. Stuffy noses do not have a free flow of air. The extra effort it takes to breathe through a stuffed up nose creates a strong pull on floppy throat tissues, causing a snoring sound. That is why some people experience snoring only during hay fever attacks, a cold or a sinus infection.

· Nose or nasal septum deformities, such as a deviated septum, can cause obstruction.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea often begins with snoring, but can be far more serious. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when snoring is punctuated by long absences of sound lasting ten seconds or more that can happen up to 300 times per night. This lack of sound means the individual is not breathing in between bursts of snoring. Health risks are great and include low blood oxygen levels that make the heart work much harder to bring oxygen to the blood.

Individuals affected with sleep apnea sleep lightly and cannot relax deeply enough to allow sufficient airflow to the lungs. The snorer is left with night after night of poor rest, as well as:

· Daytime sleepiness

· Increased mood swings

· Depression

· Impaired job performance

· Hazardous driving, especially if the individual operates heavy equipment

· Elevated blood pressure

· Enlargement of the heart

Have you ever noticed how often snoring is used to get a laugh on TV sitcoms and cartoons? Actually, thereâ??s nothing funny about it. Snoring is a serious medical and social problem that can cause social ridicule, sleeplessness, and a host of serious health problems including obstructive sleep apnea. 25% of adults snore habitually. And without treatment, it doesnâ??t get any better. While overweight males are at the greatest risk, women are not immune, and the problem only grows worse as we age.

Why Do We Snore?

Snoring occurs when the passages at the back of the mouth and nose do not have a free flow of air. This is called â??obstructionâ?? and usually occurs when the soft tissues in that area collapse during sleep, causing the tongue to meet briefly with the soft palate (top part of your mouth in the back) and the uvula (the â??bellâ?? in the back of your throat). The vibrations are what cause the snoring sound.

Snorers may also suffer from:

· Poor oral muscle tone. Relaxed tongue and throat muscles can cut off airflow. Deep sleep, alcohol and sleep medications can contribute to poor muscle tone.

· Large tonsils and adenoids. Excess throat tissue can cause snoring. This is why children sometimes snore. Being overweight can cause excess neck tissue, which is why snoring is more common in overweight individuals. Rarely, a cyst or tumors can be the problem.

· Long uvula and/or soft palate. Individuals with a â??long palateâ?? have a narrower opening between the nose and throat that can create noise during the relaxed breathing of deep sleep. A longer than normal uvula worsens the situation.

· Nasal airway obstruction. Stuffy noses do not have a free flow of air. The extra effort it takes to breathe through a stuffed up nose creates a strong pull on floppy throat tissues, causing a snoring sound. That is why some people experience snoring only during hay fever attacks, a cold or a sinus infection.

· Nose or nasal septum deformities, such as a deviated septum, can cause obstruction.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea often begins with snoring, but can be far more serious. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when snoring is punctuated by long absences of sound lasting ten seconds or more that can happen up to 300 times per night. This lack of sound means the individual is not breathing in between bursts of snoring. Health risks are great and include low blood oxygen levels that make the heart work much harder to bring oxygen to the blood.

Individuals affected with sleep apnea sleep lightly and cannot relax deeply enough to allow sufficient airflow to the lungs. The snorer is left with night after night of poor rest, as well as:

· Daytime sleepiness

· Increased mood swings

· Depression

· Impaired job performance

· Hazardous driving, especially if the individual operates heavy equipment

· Elevated blood pressure

· Enlargement of the heart

Snoring can be more than annoying to your bed partner. It can mean you have a serious health problem. This is because snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Millions of Americans suffer from OSA, and millions of people who snore – and those who share their bed – seek out over-the-counter medications to alleviate this problem. The problem is rarely fixed, and the suffering continues. One thing those who have OSA or snore can do is to see a dentist who can provide relief. Dental sleep medicine may be the best way to help end snoring and the dangers of OSA.

Oral Appliance Therapy

You have probably seen oral appliance devices sold in the store or advertised in magazines and on TV that promise relief from snoring. They may have the basic concept down: Put this mouth guard in and your snoring will end. However, the problem is that these are usually one-size-fits-all, and may increase the chance for damage to your teeth or jaw. An effective oral appliance is custom-made so that it can address your individual needs, and fit comfortably. Custom-made oral appliances can help when you sleep by:

· Holding the tongue in position

· Pushing the jaw forward

· Tightening the soft tissue to keep your airway open

· Increasing muscle tone

Behavioral Therapy

Many people who snore or have OSA may find their symptoms alleviated by simply changing aspects of their life. People who drink alcohol regularly can cut down on the amount they drink or avoid drinking three hours prior to bedtime. People who smoke can, and should, stop. The effects of smoke on the throat and lungs create problems that can worsen snoring or sleep apnea. Individuals who are overweight or obese often suffer the most severe cases of OSA or snoring. By losing weight, the occurrence of breathing difficulties is reduced. Other behavioral modifications that will help include:

· Avoiding eating heavy meals close to bedtime

· Going to bed at a reasonable hour

· Avoiding antihistamines close to bedtime

· Reducing allergens in the home

Medication

Over-the-counter medications may target those who have trouble falling asleep, but not those who snore or have OSA. Dental sleep medicine targets these issues by prescribing supplements such as anti-snoring pills to be taken before bed. These pills contain different herbs and plant enzymes that reduce congestion and swelling of the tissue in the nose and throat. There are also certain nasal sprays or nose drops that may be beneficial.

Due to the dangerous health problems, such as heart attack or stroke that can arise from OSA you should see a specialist with dental sleep medicine experience.

If your sleep patterns have been disrupted by snoring or believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Ira L. Shapira or visit ihatecpap.com to schedule an initial consultation.

Cpap Sleep Apnea

Everyone has experienced at minimum one night in the property when they were not able to sleep. It mostly occurs in the form of not making able to in effect collapse asleep when of one or two underlying issue. For example, if a occupant is stressed over somewhat ready on at work, that would be a factor.

Or, more than likely a body cannot get a good night’s sleep while properties have a cold. Whatever the reason, if a person starts going weeks without a good night of sleep, that is indicative of insomnia. In the more severe cases of insomnia, people have been unable to sleep for months.

However, one fallacy about this condition is that it is actually a sleep disorder within itself. Actually, it is only symptomatic of a larger cause. One of the most common causes of insomnia is a person’s lifestyle. For many, this sleeping problem starts in high school Too many activities (both school related and social) can end up in many late nights and an erratic sleep schedule.

This can happen in college, and then continue on into a person’s professional career. So, establish a regular sleep pattern, and the problem will probably go away. Something that lots of people do is drink coffee. While the majority of people drink it to stay awake during a long day at work or school, the caffeine from this (or tea, or soda) can largely contribute to a person’s insomnia.

Caffeine is a stimulant, so erasing this stimulant from daily intake will make all the difference. Do your body a favour. Have a good sleep tonight! Download your Cpap Sleep Apnea eBook now!

Sleep apnea and one of its most common treatment options, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP, contain an array of questions and answers for those with obstructive sleep apnea. This provides you with an overview and helps you find further information.

What is sleep apnea?

During sleep, some peoples’ breathing briefly stops many times throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapsing and blocking the airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when air cannot flow into or out of the person’s nose or mouth through efforts to resume breathing because of confused signals from the brain to the diaphragm.

What causes sleep apnea?

Mechanical and structural problems in the airway interrupt breathing during sleep. The throat muscles and tongue relax too much during sleep, blocking the airway.

Am I at risk for sleep apnea?

This can affect anyone, however, it’s more prevalent in men. Loud snoring, weight problems and high blood pressure are risk signs. If you never feel rested, suffer from being overweight, smoke, or notice behavioral changes, such as depression, see an experienced sleep apnea specialist. Snoring is also a sign of sleep apnea, but isn’t the only indicator.

Does obstructive sleep apnea require surgery?

Oral appliance therapy is an alternative to surgery. Therapeutically, they reposition the lower jaw and tongue to reduce apneic occurrences.

If I use a CPAP do I still need surgery?

By correctly adhering to treatment, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, can be very successful. However, studies also show only 23-45% of patients attain success. CPAP is a commitment, those who think they can’t devote themselves to the program should look into oral appliance therapy. Surgery is a last resort.

For many, CPAP is uncomfortable. Less cumbersome methods use simpler mouthpieces that properly align the jaw for safer sleep. These mouthpieces resemble sports mouth guards and helps patients breathe through the nose and mouth. If CPAP is uncomfortable, look into the alternate treatment options.

Why should I seek treatment for sleep apnea?

Quality sleep is essential to wellness. Sleep apnea creates lack of energy, inhibits concentration and slows metabolism. Even worse, lost sleep increases chances for high blood pressure and heart attacks.

Central Sleep Apnea

Living with insomnia is hardly residence at all. Those who experience from the real estate deal over the long haul ought to find everything properties do can be impacted. There are ways to say goodnight insomnia, if people are keen to hunt for the own cure. Learning how to say goodnight insomnia is much easier for some than it is for others. The right road to take to accomplish this will depend greatly on the individual cause.

If this is found, however, almost anyone can say goodnight insomnia quickly or at least efficiently. There are several ways to say goodnight insomnia over the short- and long-term. For those who are feeling the effects insomnia can have, it might be best to entertain short-term solutions while the long-term is addressed, as well. Short-term ways to say goodnight insomnia include: · Prescription medications. These can help almost anyone say goodnight insomnia. The problem here is that they are not advised for use over the long run.

They treat the symptoms of insomnia; they do not cure it. While they make it easy to say goodnight insomnia, they can also come with side effects and they might lead to addiction. With this in mind, it is vital for those who go this route to follow orders from medical professionals and report any concerns that might arise. · Over the counter sleep aids. These, like prescription medications, can help many say goodnight insomnia. They can, however, come with side effects, too. They are not to be seen as a long-term fix for insomnia.

While they can help people say goodnight insomnia, they should not be seen as a lasting solution. · Herbs, drinks and so on. There are other options to help people say goodnight insomnia. They include such things as chamomile tea, warm milk, hot baths and more. When these work to help a person say goodnight insomnia, they are simply wonderful options. Most do not offer side effects and few are considered addictive by their nature.

One of these options can even help a person feel a little cleaner, too! Long-term solutions for insomnia can be a little trickier to find. When the condition persists over time, however, it is vital to seek them out. People often find the best way to say goodnight insomnia over the long haul might include: · Reducing stress. This is one of the top reasons for insomnia. If stress is tackled, or at least dealt with in a healthy manner, sufferers can say goodnight insomnia. · Addressing pain. Other medical conditions can give rise to insomnia.

When they are the cause, treating them often makes it possible to say goodnight insomnia. · Letting time work its miracles. When a change of work shift or sleeping habit requirements is to blame, time might be the only long-term solution. The body generally will adjust and help people say goodnight insomnia. Dealing with insomnia is never easy.

The immediate effects of this condition can be severe. From irritability to lack of functioning, the symptoms can be life changing. Learning to say goodnight insomnia is the only real solution. Do your body a favour. Have a good sleep tonight! Download your Central Sleep Apnea eBook now!

Snoring may seem like a mere annoyance to most people. But sometimes, snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, a serious medical condition that affects over 20 million Americans and drastically reduces their quality of life. In extreme cases, it can lead to death.

The word “apnea” is derived from a Greek word that means “want of breath.” In order to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, one must experience stoppage of breathing for a period of at least ten seconds more than five times in one hour. All of this counteracts the healing, restorative effects that nourishing deep sleep is meant to provide. Sleep is critical to health, just as important as a healthy diet and physical activity.

If it goes untreated for lengths of time, obstructive sleep apnea leads to hypertension, strokes, muscle pain, heart attacks, morning headaches and excessive daytime drowsiness. Many who have mild sleep apnea know that they snore while they sleep. At the same time, they may not link this and their daytime fatigue to the potentially life-threatening larger problems that could eventually make themselves known.

Symptoms

Sleep apnea makes its presence known in a variety of ways. And with the wide array of symptoms, different people may experience widely different combinations of the following:

If you notice you’re experiencing any of these, please keep in mind that they could be indicators of sleep apnea. Ignoring them could potentially result in major health risks, not to mention the diminished day-to-day concentration, which affects things like your job and being an active member of society. One potentially disastrous after-effect to keep in mind is experiencing drowsiness while driving, too. In children, academic underachievement and substandard mental development have been linked to sleep apnea.

Many studies on sleep patterns have been done throughout the years. Sleep experts say we need between six and eight hours of sleep to feel rested and function at our best during the day. For some, this simply means going to bed at a reasonable time. However, there are people who cannot feel rested no matter what time they go to bed because they snore, share the bed with someone who snores, or suffer from sleep apnea. Losing an hour or more of sleep a night because of snoring can add up over time. In the case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the consequences can affect the health of the individual.

OSA is a condition in which an individual stops breathing due to their airway collapsing during sleep and blocking their breathing for up to ten seconds each time. When the OSA is serious, this cessation can occur more than 30 times an hour. These cessations in breathing cause the blood oxygen levels to decrease dramatically. Lower oxygen levels in the blood raise the threat of heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke.

Causes of Sleep Apnea and Snoring

As we sleep, our muscles are relaxed. When the tongue and throat muscles relax, they can block the airway. A partial collapse of the airway results in the sound we call snoring. A complete collapse of the airway cuts off breathing and results in an apneic event. When this happens, you will wake up and begin breathing again because your muscles are no longer relaxed. This may happen as little as five times every hour, or as many as 30 or more times an hour. Obviously, your sleep pattern is going to be affected.

People who are obese, smoke, or consume alcohol have a higher chance of snoring and a greater risk of OSA. Men are more likely to suffer from OSA than women are.

Oral Appliances

If you suffer from snoring or have been diagnosed by a sleep apnea specialist, you may find treatment through oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances are custom-fitted for each patient to minimize the effects of snoring or sleep apnea in a variety of ways. By correcting the position of the jaw, or repositioning the jaw, the tongue and soft tissue will no longer interfere with your airway. One of the most effective oral appliances is the SomnoDent mandibular advancement splint (MAS), manufactured by SomnoMed.

SomnoDent MAS

The SomnoDent MAS is worn over the teeth, much like a sports mouth guard, as you sleep. It pushes the jaw forward from its natural position and, like other oral appliances, keeps the tongue in position and tightens the soft tissue to keep your airway open. Studies have shown that over 60% of patients who wear SomnoDent MAS experience a complete halt in OSA, and those who still have symptoms have a 50% decrease in the severity of their sleep apnea. Episodes of snoring decreased 43% in studies and lowered the volume of snoring (something your bed partner would probably be grateful for).

SomnoDent MAS features a patented â??fin-couplingâ? component which allows the wearer to speak and drink as they normally would.

If you suffer from snoring or believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea and are interested in finding out if SomnoDent MAS by SomnoMed is right for you, please contact Dr. Ira L. Shapira at the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center for a free consultation.

Many studies on sleep patterns have been done throughout the years. Sleep experts say we need between six and eight hours of sleep to feel rested and function at our best during the day. For some, this simply means going to bed at a reasonable time. However, there are people who cannot feel rested no matter what time they go to bed because they snore, share the bed with someone who snores, or suffer from sleep apnea. Losing an hour or more of sleep a night because of snoring can add up over time. In the case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the consequences can affect the health of the individual.

OSA is a condition in which an individual stops breathing due to their airway collapsing during sleep and blocking their breathing for up to ten seconds each time. When the OSA is serious, this cessation can occur more than 30 times an hour. These cessations in breathing cause the blood oxygen levels to decrease dramatically. Lower oxygen levels in the blood raise the threat of heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke.

Causes of Sleep Apnea and Snoring

As we sleep, our muscles are relaxed. When the tongue and throat muscles relax, they can block the airway. A partial collapse of the airway results in the sound we call snoring. A complete collapse of the airway cuts off breathing and results in an apneic event. When this happens, you will wake up and begin breathing again because your muscles are no longer relaxed. This may happen as little as five times every hour, or as many as 30 or more times an hour. Obviously, your sleep pattern is going to be affected.

People who are obese, smoke, or consume alcohol have a higher chance of snoring and a greater risk of OSA. Men are more likely to suffer from OSA than women are.

Oral Appliances

If you suffer from snoring or have been diagnosed by a sleep apnea specialist, you may find treatment through oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances are custom-fitted for each patient to minimize the effects of snoring or sleep apnea in a variety of ways. By correcting the position of the jaw, or repositioning the jaw, the tongue and soft tissue will no longer interfere with your airway. One of the most effective oral appliances is the SomnoDent mandibular advancement splint (MAS), manufactured by SomnoMed.

SomnoDent MAS

The SomnoDent MAS is worn over the teeth, much like a sports mouth guard, as you sleep. It pushes the jaw forward from its natural position and, like other oral appliances, keeps the tongue in position and tightens the soft tissue to keep your airway open. Studies have shown that over 60% of patients who wear SomnoDent MAS experience a complete halt in OSA, and those who still have symptoms have a 50% decrease in the severity of their sleep apnea. Episodes of snoring decreased 43% in studies and lowered the volume of snoring (something your bed partner would probably be grateful for).

SomnoDent MAS features a patented â??fin-couplingâ? component which allows the wearer to speak and drink as they normally would.

If you suffer from snoring or believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea and are interested in finding out if SomnoDent MAS by SomnoMed is right for you, please contact Dr. Ira L. Shapira at the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center for a free consultation.

Many people today are familiar with the condition of sleep apnea; the word “apnea” simply refers to a temporary stoppage of breathing and so sleep apnea is when a person stops breathing for a few moments during sleep. What most people don’t know, however, is that there are two main types – obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
While obstructive sleep apnea is somewhat self-explanatory – it results from an obstruction in the throat or sinuses such as excessive tissue around the soft palate (the area on the roof of the mouth near the back) or a sinus infection and so on, central sleep apnea refers to an actual defect in the way the brain signals the body to breathe while sleeping. Even though this type of sleep apnea is less common it is still very dangerous and can even be deadly.
Common Causes of Central Sleep Apnea
Obviously the cause of central sleep apnea will be different for each patient or sufferer but common causes include radiation treatment to the area of the spine, surgery of the spine or areas surrounding it, and encephalitis. Encephalitis is a swelling or inflammation of the brain and can be very dangerous and even deadly on its own, however, it also interferes with the body’s signals to the respiratory system that keep a body breathing.
This is the difficulty and danger with central sleep apnea; many people don’t realize that the body needs to tell itself to breathe at all times in order for the lungs to work properly. Brain damage or damage to the spine that carries these signals telling the body how to work can result in no signal to breathe.
Treating Central Sleep Apnea
As of right now there is no cure for central sleep apnea; scientists still have much work to do when it comes to mapping out the brain and treating disorders of it and the spine. However there are some things that a patient or sufferer can do.
For one, the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine may be helpful. These machines push oxygen into the lungs on a continuous and regular basis. There are also some medications one might take such as acerazlamide and theophyllinr, which stimulate the body’s need to breathe.
In any circumstance a patient with central sleep apnea needs to be in constant contact with their doctor and follow their recommendations carefully.