Obstructive sleep apnea is downright dangerous and something to be concerned with if you or someone you love is a chronic snorer. Loud snoring interrupted by cessations in breathing could mean you or your bed partner is suffering from the disorder.

Dr. Jack Ringer is a licensed dental sleep medicine provider who will determine what types of therapy would be best for your mild to moderate disorder whether it be snoring, or snoring combined with obstructive sleep apnea.

While snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has it.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Also known as OSA, obstructive sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing up to 30 or even 35 times every hour.

Caused by narrow airways, the throat relaxes while the person sleeps, so much so that he or she cannot breathe. As a result, the brain wakes the person up to start breathing again.

Is OSA Common?

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common than you think. Furthermore, it is prevalent in both men and women. While OSA is more commonplace in men it can also affect children.

Studies show that between two and nine percent of American adults have OSA. However, according to your dental sleep medicine doctor in Orange County many cases go undetected and undiagnosed. This is because people who sleep alone rarely know they have it.

As previously mentioned, obstructive sleep apnea is more common in men, but does affect women, especially those who are in menopause or post menopause.

OSA Symptoms

• Loud Snoring
• Cessations in Breathing while Asleep
• Loss of Libido
• Daytime Sleepiness
• Concentration Issues
• Memory Problems
• Morning Headaches
• Dry Mouth
• Sleep Deprivation
• Waking with a Sore Throat
• Mood Swings
• Concentration Problems

While snoring is a symptom of OSA not everyone who snores has it. If you live alone daytime sleepiness is probably the biggest sign to watch for.

Your oral appliance therapist in Anaheim Hills explains that poor sleep coupled with a lack of oxygen is the main cause of OSA, but there are other risks as well.

OSA Risks

Although OSA can happen to anyone, those in the high risk category include:

• Men
• People with large necks
• Overweight people
• Menopausal women
• People with tonsils and adenoids
• Those with anatomical issues
• Drinkers
• Smokers
• People on certain medications
• Family history
• Nasal congestion

Dental Sleep Medicine

While surgery is an option, it is not recommended as some who have tried it have gone back to the CPAP machine because it isn’t always successful. If you follow this blog you will know that CPAP therapy often gets left behind as well because it is cumbersome and uncomfortable.

Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills provides relief for OSA with dental sleep medicine. This could be anything from oral appliance therapy using mouth guards or splints to meditation, weight loss, exercise, and relaxation techniques.

If you or someone you love snores loudly or wakes up gasping for breath, call and schedule an appointment.