Sleep Apnea
The dangers of sleep apnea and heavy snoring are often overlooked and left untreated. Patients with apnea may awaken from 5 to more than 10 times per hour and not be aware of waking, but suffer the effects.
Sleep apnea is the cessation of airflow lasting more than 10 seconds, and the majority of sleep apnea sufferers experience several episodes per night. While it may not seem like a pressing danger because the apneic eventually awakens slightly to take the necessary breath, the lack of oxygen to the body, even for a short period of time, can have lasting health effects. When the airway collapses due to negative pressure from the expansion of the lungs, the body experiences a significant drop in oxygen saturation, from 95% to as low as 50%. This oxygen starvation can cause countless health problems, most notably an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Growth hormones are secreted during sleep, particularly in the first episode of delta sleep. As sleep is interrupted, these secretions may change and negatively affect many systems. Studies are currently being done on the effects of apnea on the hypothalamus and pituitary systems.
We've heard thousands of times how important a good night's rest is to our whole body function and overall health. During sleep apnea events, patients are forced to come out of nourishing REM sleep in order to regain breath. This intermittent interruption throughout the night carries over to the next day, seriously affecting the body's ability to function. Alertness and concentration are easily broken, and patients may experience fatigue and poor productivity as a result of excessive daytime sleepiness. And sleep apnea sufferers are not alone in health risks from sleep apnea - Reports of apneic patients falling asleep at the wheel, or causing an accident are not uncommon, and it is estimated that partners of apneics lose an average of 1 hour of sleep a night!
Health Risks of Sleep Apnea:
- Hypertension
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Depression
- Muscle pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Inefficient metabolism
- Loss of short term memory
- Weight gain
- Gastric reflux
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Severe anxiety
- Memory and concentration impairment
- Intellectual deterioration
- Mood swings/temperamental behavior
- Insomnia
- Impotence
There is good news for sleep apnea sufferers, however. With proper sleep apnea treatment, you can beat the negative health effects of sleep apnea. Following successful treatment, patients are alert, active, have a higher metabolism, more energy & system functions can completely return to normal. If you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Spivak for a full evaluation right away.
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| The TAP® (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) device provides a powerful prescription for snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The TAP was designed to keep the airway open to allow for air to pass. A constricted or collapsed airway causes snoring and OSA. Both the TAP and TAP 3 TL hold the lower jaw in a forward position, maintaining a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing. The TAP and TAP 3 TL consist of an upper and lower tray that fit over the teeth. Fitting more comfortably in the mouth than the original TAP, the TAP 3 TL features smaller hardware that provides more room for the tongue and allows the lips to close. A hook mechanism attached to the upper tray fits into a socket attached to the lower tray and positions the lower jaw forward, preventing the soft tissue of the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airway. An adjustment key allows the patient to adjust the device until a comfortable and effective position is achieved. |