Snoring and Sleep Apnea Relief
Sleep Apnea is a serious disorder in which a person has difficulty breathing - or may stop breathing while he/she is sleeping. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.
Sleep apnea is very common, as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. Yet because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant health consequences. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, headaches, and death. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and successfully treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues.
Help for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can now be treated a number of ways. C-pap is an excellent method of treating OSA. For those patients who are unable to tolerate C-pap therapy and don't want surgery, there is help in the form of dental appliances. These dental appliances that you wear while sleeping, move your lower jaw forward and therefore help to keep your throat open. These appliances are effective, comfortable, and FDA approved. Dr. Honl has attended numerous classes on treating sleep apnea and is a member of the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Honl and his team are highly trained and equipped in designing, fitting, and testing these appliances for their effectiveness and your optimum comfort. They also work very closely with area sleep apnea physicians and follow proven parameters of care.
This is an example of one of the sleep appliances Dr. Honl and his team may design for you.
Additionally there exists a connection between sleep apnea (even the mildest forms) and facial pain, headaches, and clenching/bruxism.
This is an example of an Elastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA) appliance used to treat mild sleep apnea.
Patient Testimonials:
"Dr. Honl,
I have been a patient of yours for the past couple of years, specifically in regards to my sleep apnea. I am grateful for the service you have provided me and am pleased that the appliances have helped resolve the apnea. I also wanted to tell you that I have been very impressed with the professionalism of your staff. Mary and Angie have been my primary contacts there but it is evident that everyone who works there takes a great deal of care and pride in what they do. This is a direct reflection of you, so again, thank you and God's blessings to you and your staff."
Mark
For more Information visit: American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine at www.aadsm.org
Sleep Medicine Network
American Sleep Apnea Association
Please click here to evaluate your "sleepiness" scale: http://www.aadsm.org/SelfTest.aspx.
If you or a loved one suffer from sleep apnea, we are here to help. Dr. Honl and his team are experienced in working with local M.D.'s, Sleep Centers, and medical insurance companies. For a free screening and more information on how we can help, please call us at (715) 341-5000 today.