IS SNORING KEEPING YOU AWAKE?
24% of men and 18% of women suffer from snoring.
60% of men and 40% of women over the age of 60 snore (female snoring increases after menopause).
Loudness of snoring may reach as high as 90db (85db is considered hazardous noise by The Workers’ Compensation Board!)
Stanford University sleep researchers found that 75-80% of the patients they see are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
A CAA official stated that as much as 50,000 auto accidents happen in Canada as a result of sleepy drivers. Many of which suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Symptoms Of OSA
There are many symptoms that could indicate obstructive sleep apnea. These symptoms listed here are only a partial representation and should not be the only criteria used to diagnose OSA:
- Clouded intellect
- Short term memory impairment
- Morning headaches
- Generalized muscle pain
- Irritability Mood swings
- Impaired judgment
- Decreased sex drive
What can your dentist do to help?
The good news is that Oral Appliance Therapy has proven to be very successful in the management of snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. A dental appliance is a small plastic device, similar to an orthodontic retainer, or an athletic mouthguard. It is worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent the soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Dentists with training in dental appliance therapy can prescribe these special appliances to meet their patients individual situations and conditions.