Snoring, Sleep Apnea and Dentistry
According to the National Sleep Foundation, snoring can be a signal
of serious health problems. Studies have found that men who habitually
snore have a 50% higher risk of high blood pressure, 70-80% have the chance
of ischemic heart disease and a 40% risk of stroke. Women have 3 times
more risk of having high blood pressure and a 20% increase for the risk
of heart disease.
Some suggested methods that may help stop or decrease snoring include:
- Cut out alcoholic evening drinks
- Stop smoking
- Lose weight to decrease fatty blockages in the nose and throat.
- Avoid sleeping on your back which allows the tongue to obstruct the
throat region.
- See your dentist who can construct a custom sleep apnea device.
FACTS
- 70 million people do not get enough sleep, resulting in an estimated
$46 billion in lost productivity (calling in sick or working at less
than at maximum performance levels).
- 20 million blocked airways prevent sleep
- 30,000 deaths occur from sleep apnea (accidents, injuries, disabilities)
- 100 years ago, people slept an average of 9 hours per night; now,
people sleep an average of 7 hours per night.
TIPS
- Do not drink caffeine or exercise vigorously before bed
- Go to bed tired
- Sleep and rise at the same time
- Take a hot bath before bedtime
- Keep your room cool and dark to ensure uninterrupted sleep
New Research Study
Snoring can kill you, according to a recent U.S. study (Reuters, August
17, 1998)--a team of dental surgeons at the UCLA School of Dentistry,
writing in the journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, found that snoring
can cause damage to the walls of the carotid arteries and increased stroke
risk coming from the neck area. "When persons with sleep apnea fall
asleep, their tongue falls back into their throat, blocking their airway. As they struggle for breath, their blood pressure soars," according
to Dr. Arthur Friedlander, an oral surgeon, "it's like pressing a
pillow over someone's face. "
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when a person actually stops breathing while
asleep. This can occur from a few times, or many times an hour. The tongue
falls back, obstructing the airway, there is difficulty breathing, and
the oxygen level in the blood is reduced. This is one of the dangerous
aspects of sleep apnea. When the airway becomes blocked, the more difficult
it is to breathe. When the oxygen level gets too low, the individual gasps
and violently throws the tongue off of the airway in order to breathe. The reduced oxygen levels can cause serious medical problems.
|
