Tag: sleep disorders

Oral Appliance Therapy vs. CPAP for Sleep Apnea

If you’re one of the approximately 18 million people that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you might have already seen a doctor for treatment. OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat obstruct breathing to prevent continuous airflow during sleep. “Apnea” means a cessation of breathing. This interruption in breathing… Read more »

Sleep Apnea and Brain Damage

Awareness about the detrimental effects of sleep apnea is increasing. Sleep apnea is responsible for a growing list of health problems for millions of individuals. Some of these troubles are less urgent,  but some are life threatening. James Stewart, DDS, is a sleep apnea expert, and he offers various treatment options to help his patients… Read more »

Rocking Into the Night: Can Swaying Motions Improve Sleep?

Is there anything better than taking a nap in a hammock on a breezy summer day? As far as naps go, the answer could be “no.” A group of Swiss scientists observed an interesting phenomenon: rocking motions, specifically in hammocks and cradles, are universally seen as soothing across cultural lines. Those researchers decided to search… Read more »

Sleep Apnea Dangers for Seniors

Sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness not only lead to foggy days, but increase the risk of death for people 65 years and older. A recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania Health System showed the combination of the two disorders significantly increased the risk.

Lack of Sleep is a New Risk Factor of Colon Cancer

In a ground-breaking study, researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have found that individuals who average less than six hours of sleep a night are 50% more like to increase their risk of colorectal adenomas than those individuals who get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Adenomas are precursors to cancer tumors, and if left untreated, they turn malignant.

10 Million Undiagnosed Cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

According to WrongDiagnosis.com, there are 12 million Americans who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). That’s one in 22 or nearly 4.5% of the population. The startling statistic is the undiagnosed cases, though. About 10 million Americans don’t know that they have obstructive sleep apnea. They live with the symptoms and problems from OSA, yet they never seek treatment because they don’t realize the problem or they think that what they’re experiencing is normal.

Sleep Apnea Affects One-Fifth of US Military Veterans

I thought I’d tell you about some recent data regarding our veterans and sleep apnea. Experts aren’t exactly sure why, but about 20% of American war veterans suffer with sleep apnea.  Some believe that the smoke and dust the vets inhaled in Afghanistan may be to blame.  Problem is, sleep apnea causes daytime drowsiness, forgetfulness,… Read more »

Exciting Innovations in Dental Sleep Apnea Therapy

Our knowledge in the field of dental sleep medicine is rapidly expanding as the need for oral appliance therapy greatly increases in our patients. I look forward to working with my medical colleagues and sharing with both them and our patients the latest that dentists can offer as part of our team approach to treating patients who have sleep related breathing disorders.

Fun Facts about Sleep

Some people nap with their eyes open The longest a person has stayed awake is 18 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes A new baby in the house causes parents to lose 400-750 hours of sleep in one year Elephants lie down for REM sleep, but spend the other four cycles standing up Some animals have… Read more »

How to Fall Back Asleep During the Night

If you awake at night and have trouble getting back to sleep, the first thing you need to do is stay in bed for at least 15 minutes, keep your eyes closed, and try to clear your mind. This will tell your body that you are still in relaxation mode. After at least 15 minutes… Read more »