Sleep Apnea

There is an epidemic in this country which is just now entering our collective consciousness.  This epidemic is as common as diabetes and asthma, but nearly as high profile.  This disease is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

What is OSA? 
In short, it is a closure of the breathing passage when we sleep.  Generally is occurs in heavy snorers, and when the muscles in the neck relax, the tonsilar tissues and tongue collapse against the back of the throat.  The patient then gasps to unblock the airway.

When the airway is obstructed, the CO2 gets trapped in our lungs and the oxygen levels in our blood drop.  This triggers our brain, which thinks it is being poisoned, to active the muscles of the neck and throat to free up the obstruction.

In this week's 2 Part episode of D² - Dental Health with Dr. C...

San Diego Dentist & Sleep Apnea Specialist Dr. Paul Coleman discusses snoring & sleep disorders, In-Home sleep apnea diagnosis options, and potential treatment options.

Sleep Apnea is a disorder that will cause you to stop breathing for short intervals while you’re sleeping. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea and is caused when the upper airway gets blocked during sleep, usually due to the collapsing or closing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat.

Are you sleepy or forgetful during the day, or just don’t feel like you’re functioning at your mental capacity?...Perhaps you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from a growing sleep disorder known as Sleep Apnea.

Sleep Apnea is a disorder that will cause you to stop breathing for short intervals while you’re sleeping. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea and is caused when the upper airway gets blocked during sleep, usually due to the collapsing or closing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is caused by a malfunction in the part of the brain that controls & regulates breathing.

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, such as:

I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea over 5 years ago and was told I had to use a CPAP. Due to the design of the CPAP I simply wasn't interested and thinking that was my only option I left my apnea untreated. The health risks are scary but there was no way I was going to wear the CPAP everynight.
 
My friends and family who have seen me sleep were concerned about the life threatening risks of Sleep Apnea but I simply ignored them because I didn't think there were any options for me. That was until my husband and I heard a radio ad regarding a dental device to treat sleep apnea and I wrote down the information and looked up the office. Once I told my mom about there being another way to treat my sleep apnea she took the ball and ran with it.