Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts while the patient is asleep.  Patient may not be aware of these short breathing pauses that occur hundreds of times a night. The sleep deprivation (can’t fall asleep or can’t stay asleep) caused by sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and increased risk of driving accidents.  Sleep apnea is also linked to some serious medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, liver problems, and diabetes.

Major warning signs of Sleep Apnea

·       Loud and chronic snoring almost every night

·       Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep

·       Pauses in breathing

·       Waking up at night feeling short of breath

·       Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

                                         Other warning signs of Sleep Apnea

·       Insomnia or nighttime awakenings; restless sleep

·       Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

·       Going to the bathroom frequently during the night

·       Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

·       Moody, irritable, depress

·       Morning headaches

*If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, for a free consultation for Sleep Apnea. Call for an appointment at 626-335-5114 or email: drannalee1@gmail.com.

Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)

                            

CPAP machines are used with a variety of breathing masks. They are most widely used treatment for moderate and severe OSA.

CPAP treatment may cause side effects: dry or stuffy nose, irritated skin on the face, dry mouth, and headaches.  If the CPAP device is not adjusted properly, patients may get stomach bloating and discomfort while wearing the mask.

                                               

   Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved oral appliance therapy (OAT) as a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA.  The AASM also recommends oral appliance therapy for patients with severe OSA, who are unable to tolerate or cannot wear CPAP devices.  Another option for people with severe OSA is combination therapy (wearing CPAP and an oral appliance together) to help reduce the pressure on a CPAP machine, making it more comfortable to use.

Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT):

·       

         Oral Appliance Therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment that fits easily into your lifestyle.  Patients like       

        

        Oral Appliance Therapy because it is:

-comfortable, easy to wear,

-quiet

-portable, convenient for travel

-easy to care for

Oral Appliance Therapy my cause side effects:  soreness of the mouth, saliva build-up, nausea, and damage or permanent change in position of the jaw, teeth and mouth.

Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, is a trained dentist in sleep apnea who can assist you with treatment.  Dr. Anna Lee conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance.  Following the examination, you will have models of your teeth made and a follow-up appointment is scheduled to fit your custom oral appliance.  Please visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com

Can’t Sleep? Why You Should Be Checked

It is so frustrating when you can’t sleep or fall asleep at night even when you are so tired.  A bad night of sleep can cause you to feel groggy or unproductive throughout the day.   Insomnia is a sleep disorder.  People who suffer from insomnia have a difficult time falling asleep or staying asleep at night, resulting in feeling fatigued, moody, and irritable during the day.  

Some people suffer short-term insomnia; it is usually due to a temporary interruption of routine. Others suffer chronic insomnia and it is more likely caused by unhealthy daytime and bedtime habits, such as having an irregular sleep schedule, drinking caffeinated beverages late in the day, or eating heavy meals before bedtime. Possible causes of insomnia may be psychological and medical.  Insomnia can be a symptom of other sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, which is a serious medical problem. 

For more information contact, Anna Lee, D.D.S.