Dental sleep medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment of sleep disorders and disturbances with an oral appliance. One common problem that health care providers trained in sleep medicine focus on is sleep deprivation. This occurs when a person fails to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to many problems and can have a negative impact on your life.

sleep medicine and sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation is very common. The amount of sleep that an individual needs varies from one person to another. But on average, a majority of adults need about seven to eight hours of sleep every night to feel well-rested and alert. For teens, they need an average of about nine hours of sleep each night.

Children need nine hours of sleep per night or more, depending on their age. Sleep deprivation may be caused by many factors. Sometimes, it can be a symptom of a sleep disorder or another medical problem that disturbs sleep. Here are some of the negative effects of sleep deprivation.

Excessive daytime sleepiness

A major effect of lack of sleep is excessive daytime sleepiness. A person who does not get enough sleep may fall asleep when forced to sit still in either a quiet or monotonous situation. This can happen during a meeting or class. This degree of severe sleepiness may lead to serious problems. It can cause workplace injuries or drowsy driving.

Mood

Lack of sleep can affect someone’s mood. It is usually linked with irritability, anxiety and lack of motivation. Over time, sleep disorders and lack of sleep can end up contributing to the symptoms of depression. Many people diagnosed with anxiety or depression sleep less than six hours at night.

Insomnia, which is a common sleep disorder, has a strong link to depression. Sleep loss usually aggravates the symptoms of depression. Depression may also make it more difficult for people to fall asleep. But treating sleep problems can help depression as well as its symptoms and vice-versa.

Thinking and learning

Sleep plays a very important role in learning and thinking. Lack of sleep has a negative effect on these cognitive processes in a variety of ways. It impairs attention, alertness, reasoning, concentration and problem-solving. This makes it difficult for people to learn efficiently. During the night, particular sleep cycles help to consolidate memories in the mind. If a person does not get enough sleep, the individual will not be able to remember what was learned and experienced during the day.

Health problems

Chronic sleep loss and sleep disorders can put people at risk for various health problems. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack and obesity. Other medical conditions or problems that sleep deprivation is associated with include an irregular heartbeat, heart failure and stroke. Many people with sleep disorders often have another health condition as well.

Takeaway

Getting enough sleep is very important. It can help prevent many of the negative effects of sleep deprivation. It is generally good for a person’s health. If your sleep deprivation is caused by a sleep disorder, you can benefit from seeing a board certified sleep medicine dentist. A health care provider may diagnose and determine that a dental sleep medicine oral appliance can be used to treat your disorder.

Suffering from sleep apnea? Dental sleep medicine treatment is an option that many people who have been diagnosed with this sleeping disorder are choosing to undergo, as this option uses oral appliances to treat those in need. Ready to find out if an oral appliance is the right solution for you?

About sleep apnea

Understanding that sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleeping condition is the first thing one needs to recognize when they think that they have sleep apnea. According to Cleveland Clinic, sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Some people will stop breathing many times during the night, which not only affects their sleep, it can also lead to any number of overall health issues, e.g., headaches, fatigue, etc.

How dental professionals treat this common sleeping disorder

It is important for those diagnosed with sleep apnea to understand that oral appliances are used to treat mild to moderate cases of this sleeping disorder. The list below includes three common types of oral appliances that dental professionals use to treat sleep apnea.

Mandibular advancement devices

This oral appliance is often used for patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea because their tongue gets in the way of their ability to properly breathe during the night. The device works by positioning the lower jaw and tongue in a forward position, as this allows for easier breathing because there is more space available due to the tongue being pulled forward, preventing the airway from being blocked.

Mandibular advancement splints

This oral appliance is custom-made for every patient and pulls the lower jaw slightly forward. This helps prevent the upper airway from being blocked when sleeping and is one of the more popular oral appliances to treat sleep apnea patients. This particular oral appliance solution can be as beneficial as a CPAP machine.

Tongue retaining devices

This oral appliance focuses specifically on repositioning that tongue so it is not able to block one’s airway while sleeping. Tongue retaining devices use suction to pull the tongue forward. While it takes a little practice for patients to get used to wearing this oral appliance when sleeping, those who choose this option often experience optimal results.

Think you have this sleeping disorder?

Those who think they are living with sleep apnea should contact a dental professional in order to get a proper diagnosis. The fact that there are solutions in place for those who are suffering from any degree of sleep apnea makes it a good idea for those diagnosed to learn whether they will benefit from using one or more of the oral appliances above. For those who have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.

There are many scientific studies about the correlation between sleep apnea and TMJ pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control, sleep apnea is currently a national epidemic, and up to 85 percent of all cases are yet undiagnosed.

The jawbone connects with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint, otherwise known as TMJ. Typically, this joint enables opening and closing of the mouth for speech, eating and rest. If something goes wrong, a TMJ disorder can have adverse effects on your life and overall well-being. In this article, you will learn about how your TMJ disorder might be related to your sleeping issues.

TMJ Disorders

According to the National Institutes of Health, around 10 million people are dealing with TMJ disorder, although most cases are mild. The symptoms usually include pain, sore facial muscles and clicking or popping sounds coming from their jaw. Diagnosing the cause of the issue is essential since the stress and jaw conditions can quickly become an uncomfortable, recurrent cycle.

Teeth grinding or clenching can worsen TMJ pain. The pain can extend to the face, neck, shoulders and head. Many patients of TMJ disorder often complain of chronic migraines and headaches.

The TMJ and sleep apnea relationship

Different studies have shown that 43 percent of TMJ patients have sleeping issues. In obstructive sleep apnea, when the air passages collapse, the brain automatically triggers the lower jaw to shift forward and open the airway. The constant shifting of the TMJ can induce stress on the jaw joint, and that is the main correlation between TMJ and sleep apnea.

TMJ disorder has been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, which worsens sleep apnea and affects overall well-being. Also, the physical position or misalignment of the jaw can prevent the air passages from remaining open during sleep. Sleep apnea is connected to the underdevelopment of the jaws, and almost all treatments available for sleep apnea are aimed towards handling such issues.

Solving the problem

In some cases, TMJ disorder disappears on its own, but you do not have to endure the pain and hardship before seeking treatment. Good sleep is essential for optimal functions of the body and overall health.

The treatments available for TMJ disorder include mouthguards and oral splints, corticosteroids for pain relief, surgery in severe cases, medications (anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers) and BOTOX® injections to relax muscles.

Sleep apnea does not heal on its own and can cause severe health complications if untreated. Sleep apnea predisposes you to the risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes and other chronic diseases — it can even be deadly. Treatments for sleep apnea include dental sleep appliances, CPAP machines and surgery for severe cases. The aim is to correct the impaired foundation and create a more efficient air passage system.

In conclusion

If you are feeling any form of pain in your jaw or dealing with sleeping issues such as sleep apnea, you should contact your dentist immediately for evaluation and treatment.

If you have sleep apnea you might be wondering if it can be inherited. The answer is that it can be because many sleep apnea factors are hereditary. Learning about what causes sleep apnea can help you understand this. Read on to learn more.

Genetic and sleep apnea

One factor that can cause sleep apnea is having a narrow airway. Other people have extra tissue in the throat. This can be inherited from the parents. These factors make someone more likely to have sleep apnea.

Each person inherits half of the genes from the father and half from the mother. An individual’s genetic makeup determines the physical structure. It also determines how vulnerable a person is to some types of diseases. People can be more at risk for one disease than the individual sitting next to them. Sleep apnea works the same way. Some people have inherited risk factors for sleep apnea, such as being overweight.

Snoring and genetics

Sleep apnea and snoring are closely linked. Both often happen when the airway is partially blocked. In snoring, these parts of the airway vibrate as the air rushes past. When the tissues are relaxed, they are more likely to move. Snoring is determined by the shape of a person’s airway. The shape of the airway is determined by family history.

One study looked at snorers to determine whether or not the snorers had a family history. The researchers found that people who had a family history were the most likely to snore. The study found that snoring has a hereditary component. This means that sleep apnea, too, has a genetic component.

Sleep apnea causes

In understanding sleep apnea, it is important to know about the three different types. Each one has different causes. In general, the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea. Medical conditions can cause other types of sleep apnea.

• Central sleep apnea: people who have heart failure are more likely to have this form. This happens when the brain does not send signals to tell the body to breathe
• Obstructive sleep apnea: this is one of the more common types of sleep apnea. It happens when part of the airway is blocked
• Complex sleep apnea: when an individual has both central and obstructive sleep apnea, it is called complex sleep apnea. To treat this type of sleep apnea, a doctor must treat both central and obstructive sleep apnea

Sometimes, drugs can also cause sleep apnea. For example, opioids can limit the brain’s ability. A high altitude can cause breathing issues. These issues can cause central sleep apnea.

Get sleep apnea treatment today

Knowing what causes your sleep apnea is the first step toward treating it. For example, maybe other family members have excess tissue at the backs of their throats. This makes you more likely to have the problem as well. Once you and your doctor have worked through the potential causes, you can determine the right treatment plan.

Being diagnosed with sleep apnea can be scary, but understanding the causes and risk factors behind this sleep disorder may help you come to terms with the diagnosis. There is also the possibility that addressing some of the causes may help lessen the affects of this disorder.

Risk factors and causes that contribute to sleep apnea

Some people are more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder. Out of the 18 million Americans diagnosed with this condition, as stated by the National Sleep Foundation, there are some common causes of the symptoms and various risk factors that play a role in a person’s chances of developing this health problem.

Being overweight

Carrying more body weight is connected to various health problems, and that is also true for sleep disorders. When a person is overweight, the fat can accumulate around the airway, putting extra pressure on it and making it temporarily close during sleep. While not every person who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea is overweight, many are. Losing weight can help an individual have a healthier lifestyle overall and may help with this particular health issue although it may not cure it entirely.

Genetics and hereditary causes

Some people are at risk simply because sleep disorders run in the family. Other people have this sleep disorder as a result of a naturally more constricted airway or larger tonsils and adenoids. Another contributing factor that people have no control over is gender. This health problem is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women. Taking note of family history or genetics is important to understanding how a person may be at risk for certain health conditions.

Lifestyle risks

There are also certain lifestyle habits that have been known to contribute to sleep conditions. Both smoking and excessive drinking can lead to this condition and decrease a person’s overall health. That is not to say that every individual diagnosed with sleep apnea smokes or drinks, but people who do partake in these activities may be at greater risk than those who do not.

Pre-existing health issues

Lastly, there are some health problems that can increase the likelihood of an individual also being diagnosed with this sleep disorder. The following have been linked to restless sleep and difficulty breathing during sleep:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Chronic nasal congestion

Addressing these issues, such as eating healthy or using a nasal spray before going to sleep, may help with the symptoms. A doctor may recommend making these changes if other health conditions affect a sleep disorder diagnosis.

Conclusion

While it is difficult to link sleep apnea to any one specific cause, there are many factors that are related to this condition. That does not mean that each of the conditions discussed above equate to a person being diagnosed with a sleep disorder. However, these are the links that have been found to cause or put people at risk for sleep conditions and other health problems.

Having restless sleep or interrupted sleep can lead to various problems throughout your day, and obstructive sleep apnea may be the cause. However, this condition is difficult to treat if a person does not discuss their sleep habits with a professional. So, what is it, who is at risk for this and can it be treated?

General information about sleep apnea

This is a condition where the throat muscles relax to the point that the airway becomes closed, which then causes breathing to temporarily but continuously stop during the night. These brief pauses in breathing can last for more than 30 seconds every hour and continue for the entire night, according to the Mayo Clinic. The brain senses this disruption and forces the body to wake up. Fully understanding this condition involves knowing what signs to look for, what it is caused by and what the various treatment options are.

Common symptoms

According to the National Sleep Foundation, over 18 million adults in America alone have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. There are a few obvious symptoms that people can watch out for and that doctors may ask about. Perhaps the most noticeable one is heavy snoring. More subtle signs include feeling exhausted throughout the day even if a person slept the recommended time the night before. This can lead to drowsiness, depression, trouble focusing, irritability and even heart trouble if left untreated.

Causes and risk factors

There are many different reasons a person may have obstructive sleep apnea. It can happen to anyone, although it is more common in men than women. Often, people with this condition are completely unaware of it. However, there are certain risk factors people can watch for, including the following hereditary aspects and lifestyle habits:

• Being overweight
• A small airway
• High blood pressure
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Diabetes
• Excessive smoking or drinking
• Asthma

Treatment options

Fortunately, there are treatment options that can help individuals keep breathing while asleep. Before treatment, a doctor can run numerous tests to monitor a person’s breathing during sleep to determine how severe the condition is.

A common treatment is the use of a sleep mask that delivers continuous air to the nose, mouth or both during sleep to maintain positive airway pressure, allowing for sleep uninterrupted by breathing difficulties. This device is called a continuous positive airway pressure mask. There are also some lifestyle changes that can be made, such as losing weight or applying a nasal spray before bedtime. As a last alternative, surgery is also an option if other therapies do not work for a person.

Conclusion

If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms listed above, it is best to speak with a doctor and undergo testing. It may be that a person is unaware of having sleep apnea, but the risk factors and subtle symptoms may provide a clue. Restful sleep is key to having a good and productive day, so do not delay in seeking professional help.

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects many people every night. Thankfully, there are plenty of dental and sleep specialists who can address and diagnose the condition in order for the correct type of treatment to be administered. These specialists undergo extensive training so they can provide the best care to patients suffering from a sleep disorder.

Diagnosing sleep apnea can be done in a variety of ways. It is important to be aware of how the diagnosing process works so patients know what to expect. In this article, we outline how sleep apnea is diagnosed.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, then you may find this information helpful.

Evaluations

During an initial sleep apnea evaluation, the sleep specialist will likely perform a few tests to help determine the final diagnosis. Most sleep apnea evaluations involve an overnight study, which includes 24/7 monitoring while the patient is sleeping. The doctor will take special note of breathing patterns, as well as other body functions.

Most of the time, these evaluations take place at a sleep center that is staffed with trained doctors. However, sometimes the evaluation can also be done at home in order to better accommodate the patient.

Nocturnal polysomnography

Patients who undergo a nocturnal polysomnography test should expect to be heavily monitored during their sleep. They will be hooked up to a machine that monitors the heart, lungs and brain. The arm and leg movements, as well as blood oxygen, will also be monitored to see what activity takes place. Anything abnormal will be noted for the final diagnosis. When someone suffers from intense sleep apnea, it is likely that the dental or sleep specialist will require this test.

Home sleep testing

While most sleep specialists recommend that patients do a sleep study at a center, there are times when sleep apnea can be diagnosed at home. Just like the nocturnal polysomnography test, the at-home test will also monitor blood oxygen, heart rate and breathing patterns. However, the at-home one will not be as involved as having equipment hooked up to a machine.

Home sleep testing is also referred to as portable testing, and it is rarely recommended for sleep apnea. Sleep specialists prefer to have as accurate results as possible, which can typically only be achieved at a sleep center.

Contact us today

Do you want to get started with a sleep apnea test? Sleep apnea is a sleeping condition that should never go ignored or untreated. Let one of our specialists evaluate you! If you would like to get started, then reach out to our office so we can take care of you. We will be able to answer any questions you may have about sleep apnea, sleep disorder tests and sleep disorder treatments. Do give us a call or stop by today because we are here to help you in any way that we can!

It may be surprising to some, but did you know your dentist can actually help with sleep apnea? The dentist is able to prescribe and fit you for a special oral appliance that can assist with proper airflow throughout the night. Here is what you should know about these devices.

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for at least 10 seconds in your sleep on a regular basis. The severity of sleep apnea depends on how often you stop breathing in the duration of an hour. Snoring can be a sign of partial sleep apnea; so are gasps and chokes when breathing is resumed. The cessation of breath is due to the muscles in the throat and mouth relaxing to the point where they restrict the airway. Along with constant fatigue from a lack of proper sleep, sleep apnea can lead to long-term complications such as cardiac issues and strokes.

The oral appliances

The purpose of oral appliances is to help prevent sleep apnea through placement in the mouth. Thanks to mandibular advancement devices and tongue retaining mouthpieces, oral appliances are a step down from having to use advanced equipment to treat sleep apnea.

Mandibular advancement device

Similar to orthodontic retainers, the mandibular advancement device (MAD) fits over the lower and upper teeth and is connected by hinges. The jaw and tongue are moved and kept forward by the MAD so that during the night the airway and airflow are never restricted.

Tongue retaining mouthpiece

These are built similar to the MADs but are kept in place via suction from a compartment around the tongue that keeps it forward. With the tongue retaining mouthpiece, the jaw is not kept forward for those who are unable to have their jaw do so.

Possible complications

The oral appliances used to treat sleep apnea do have some drawbacks and possible complications that need to be watched for and discussed with your dentist before using the appliance. They include the following:

• The appliances lead to increased amounts of saliva in the mouth, requiring frequent swallowing.
• Damage to teeth and soft tissues in the mouth and jaw muscles and joints is possible.
• The appliance can cause discomfort, especially in the morning. This may result in people not wanting to use the device as often as they should.
• The sleep apnea may be too severe for an oral appliance to be effective.

Conclusion

Oral appliances require a proper fitting in order to be effective for sleep apnea treatment, but they are simple and effective devices. Frequent visits with your dentist for any fitting changes as well as monitoring the effectiveness of your oral appliance can help you find the right fit to aid you in your sleep therapy. You do not need to suffer through sleep apnea affects when your dentist can help you with a simple device.