New Research Regarding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is quite common and is a serious sleeping disorder that affects over 23 million adults in the United States causing breathing disruptions throughout the night. In fact, sleep studies have indicated that some people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea can stop breathing up to 100 times a night. Disrupted breathing occurs because the airways are blocked or narrow.

Researchers are discovering that OSA, or Obstructive Sleep Apnea could cause brain damage as it breaks down the blood-brain barrier. That barrier plays a vital part when it comes to brain tissue safety. The recent study conducted at UCLA has uncovered the first evidence that proves how dangerous Obstructive Sleep Apnea actually is.

The study found that when compromised or broken, the blood-brain barrier does not have the ability to function, as it should. When functioning properly, the blood-brain barrier limits brain injuries such as harmful bacteria, chemicals, and infections. When that brain barrier is compromised, it can cause serious damage to the brain itself leading to Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke, meningitis, and other serious health problems.

Although not everyone who snores has Sleep Apnea, it is a major symptom when it comes to Sleep Apnea. Other symptoms include witnessed breathing cessation while sleeping, waking up abruptly followed by a shortness of breath, and morning headaches. Other signs that you may be suffering from Sleep Apnea include waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth, insomnia, hypersomnia, or excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability and attention problems.

People with Sleep Apnea can become depressed; suffer from anxiety, memory loss, and even high blood pressure. Over time, OSA can lead to a decrease in testosterone, diabetes, stroke, and endocrine related issues.

Dr. Jack Ringer has specialized Oral Appliance Therapy training and because Oral Appliance Therapy is easy and affordable, people actually use it.

The oral appliances used by Dr. Ringer and his team reposition the tongue and jaw to a more forward position. This helps keep the airways open while controlling snoring. Every oral appliance is custom designed especially for the patient and is much more comfortable than the traditional CPAP machines that are often recommended for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Dr. Ringer is familiar with the different types of oral appliances and can determine what particular appliance is best for a patient’s particular situation.

For more information regarding Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ringer today.