According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 50-70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. One of the most common sleep disorders is obstructive sleep apnea. It afflicts at least 25 million adults in the United States. Sleep apnea is a serious disease that can cause you to stop breathing up to hundreds of times per night for anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk for several other health problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.  

Today marks the beginning of Sleep Awareness Week. If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, or think you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, follow these simple steps to sleep more soundly: 

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule – Make an effort to go to bed when you are sleepy and wake up at the same time every morning, even on the weekends. This consistency helps keep your body’s clock on schedule. Do your best to avoid long naps during the day, especially in the afternoon. Daytime napping can make it harder for you to fall asleep at night. 

• Create the perfect sleep environment – For optimal sleep, your bedroom should be quiet, dark and cool. Turn off the TV and stay away from your smart phone, tablet, laptop or e-reader before bedtime. The bright light from electronic screens can keep you from being able to fall asleep.

• Practice bedtime rituals – Develop a relaxing routine that lets your body know it’s time to wind down for the night. Whether you prefer to take a warm bath or spend time reading, these calming activities will allow your body to shift into sleep mode. 

• Consult a sleep physician – If you find that you’re still having trouble feeling rested in the morning, you could have sleep apnea. Make an appointment with a board-certified sleep physician at an accredited sleep center. We can refer you to a great sleep doctor in your area. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor will help you decide which treatment option is best for you. 

• Schedule a dentist appointment – We work in conjunction with sleep physicians to treat sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance is an effective mouth guard-like device that supports your jaw in a forward position to help keep your airway open. Oral appliance therapy has a much higher compliance rate than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Although CPAP is effective, many patients dislike the machine and mask. Patients often prefer an oral appliance because it is comfortable, quiet and convenient for travel. Call us today at 949-760-9212 to schedule an appointment. 

Healthy sleep habits can improve your quality of life. Following these simple steps can put you on the path to a better night’s sleep! Schedule your appointment with a sleep apnea dentist in Newport Beach today.

He shudders. She gasps. Their snores could wake the neighbors!

In my 13 years of treating patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, I have heard it all. While the wide variety of sleep sounds that come from bed partners can range from soothing to scary, the truth is that snoring, in particular, can indicate a real behind-the-scenes problem.  

Snoring Problems by the Numbers

I am a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the only non-profit, national association dedicated exclusively to the practice of dental sleep medicine. We recently conducted a survey that revealed what may be causing relationship woes. Here are a few startling statistics from the report: 

• Forty percent of women claimed snoring in the opposite sex is a turn-off.
• More than a quarter confessed that a snoring bed partner makes them annoyed or angry.
• One in five said a snoring partner could drive them out of bed.
• One in 10 Americans admitted that snoring has hurt at least one romantic relationship.

In addition to hurting your love life, snoring also can harm your health. It is a tell-tale sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious disease that can increase the risk for significant health problems. Untreated sleep apnea can raise your risk for congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression and impotence. 

Discover Solutions at Newport Beach Dental Center

Sleep apnea often is treated with a CPAP machine. It has a motor and long tubing, and it requires you to wear a face mask while you sleep. As a dentist with experience in dental sleep medicine, I offer an effective alternative to CPAP by treating snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device that is similar to an orthodontic retainer. Worn only during sleep, it maintains an open, unobstructed airway and prevents sleep apnea and snoring. 

Compared with a CPAP machine and mask, oral appliances are less cumbersome and more discreet for both the snorer and their partner. In fact, the survey revealed that single adults are twice as likely to prefer oral appliance therapy over CPAP therapy. When compared with CPAP, oral appliances can feel less burdensome, making it a less embarrassing choice than a bulky CPAP machine and mask. Oral appliances also come with the perks of being silent, portable and easy to clean. 

I’ve treated several couples who report that oral appliance therapy saved their relationship by silencing loud snoring. Treatment also improved their sleep – as well as their health and energy levels. If snoring is a problem in your bedroom, let’s chat about solutions! Make an appointment with an experienced Newport Beach sleep apnea specialist by calling (949 760-9212 or scheduling your next visit online.