Approximately 25 million adults in the US suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a chronic condition with symptoms such as loud snoring and constant waking during the night-up to as much as 50 times per hour.
Do You Have Sleep Apnea?
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Restless Sleep
Did you know that people with apnea often toss and turn and otherwise show signs of restless nighttime sleep? If you find yourself kicking, thrashing, jerking, or waking up under a twisted pile of disheveled sheets, apnea might be a possible cause.
Waking Up with a Dry or Sore Throat
Many people with obstructive sleep apnea report consistently waking up with a dry mouth. Sleep apnea sufferers unconsciously breathe through the mouth to increase oxygen flow. This method of breathing is likely to dry out the mouth and even cause a sore throat.
Lack of Energy, Daytime Fatigue
Did you know that people with sleep apnea are unable to get uninterrupted restorative sleep which in turn causes lack of energy and fatigue even if they slept for more than 7 hours?
Morning Headaches
Headaches are caused by lack of oxygen due to interrupted breathing. Sleep Apnea also puts people at higher risk of teeth grinding and clenching. This in turn will lead to muscle fatigue and facial pain upon awakening. Treating pain without treating underlying sleep apnea will not produce lasting results.
Snoring & Gasping
Did you know that snoring and gasping are one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea? It is estimated that between 50 to 80% of snorers have obstructive sleep apnea.
Insomnia, Anxiety, & Depression
Did you know that insomnia symptoms are 40–60% more common among people with sleep apnea compared to the general population? Also, people with sleep apnea have higher rates of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Chronic pain and lack of proper sleep robs people of the ability to enjoy life, negatively impacts relationships, work, and contributes to poor health. There is nothing more rewarding to me as a medical professional than to be able to help patients and restore their quality of life.
Dr. Tanya Kushner
Wake Up To Better Sleep
Good news there is relief
There is good news, though. We have a solution for sleep apnea sufferers that can help them sleep better and improve their quality of life. Oral appliances are a treatment we use for adults who can not tolerate CPAP therapy or would like an alternate therapy.
Research shows that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Patients wear the oral appliance only at night during sleep. They support your jaw in a forward position to help maintain and open the upper airway. Many patients find the oral appliance more comfortable than a CPAP mask. Additional benefits of an oral appliance include easy portability, no associated noise and they are easy to care for. They are an optimal choice for patients who travel often or enjoy outdoor activities.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
There are numerous benefits to sleep apnea treatment, including but not limited to:
Improved Sleep
Fewer Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Reduced Risk of Developing Cancer
Reduced Mortality Rate
Improved Blood Pressure
How Sleep Apnea affects the nation
22,000,000
Americans Suffer From OSA*
80%
of OSA cases go undiagnosed*
140%
increased risk of heart failure**
2X
more likely to be in a traffic accident***
Let Us Make Things Easier for Your Body
Dr. Carstensen wants to talk about oral health, orofacial pain, breathing, and TMJ health, specifically when to act if you have concerns. We want our patients to have overall good health, and that means counteracting the stress that sleep and TMJ disorders have on the body. Dr. Carstensen and all the doctors at Center for TMJ and Sleep Solutions NW have the expertise and tools to help.
