While on a recent airplane flight to Chicago, I was unfortunately sitting across from a young man around thirty years old who was sleeping fitfully. From his outward appearance he was not overly tall, likely about 5'11'' but clearly overweight particularly in the midsection. With each breath came a snoring (or roaring) sound accompanied occasionally by a gasp for air. It was … [Read more...] about Treatment for Sleep Apnea May Assist in Weight Loss
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Treatment Improves Heart Function
In a previous blog post, I discussed how CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and custom oral appliances could be used to facilitate night-time airflow into the lungs, preventing snoring and aiding mild to moderate sleep apnea. Researchers in England have found a new development in sleep apnea treatment. A CPAP breathing machine can improve heart function and may even … [Read more...] about Sleep Apnea Treatment Improves Heart Function
Botox and Bruxism
In previous blog posts on bruxism, I’ve discussed how teeth grinding can lead to worn teeth, fractured teeth, facial or jaw pain, and a host of other maladies. There are many ways to treat bruxism, and one of the most recent and perhaps unexpected is Botox. Botox was originally used for treating muscle spasticity diseases such as strabismus (eye misalignment), blepharospasm … [Read more...] about Botox and Bruxism
Oral Appliance Saves Marriage
Recently, a 52 year old female patient told me about her experience with CPAP. She has a history of loud and disruptive snoring, which ultimately caused her husband to sleep in a separate bedroom. After being evaluated at a sleep lab, she was diagnosed with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and was prescribed a CPAP device. Thanks to the CPAP, her snoring was … [Read more...] about Oral Appliance Saves Marriage
What is CPAP?
CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is the primary therapy used to manage a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). As the airway narrows during sleep in individuals with OSA, the CPAP device is designed to provide a constant flow of compressed air under pressure to keep the airway open. Often called the most effective nonsurgical treatment for obstructive … [Read more...] about What is CPAP?
