Blog

6December
2017
You may think that snoring or sleep apnea should not be at the top of your treatment list. However, it is important to make the treatment of your sleep apnea a top priority. Why? Let’s take a look at 5 negative effects that sleep apnea can have on your oral and overall health when treatment is not attempted. A Depression Link. Depression is not something that should be ignored, nor should people think it would simply go away with time. The relationship between sleep and depression is complex, but it is very apparent. It has been shown that depression may cause sleep problems and sleep problems may cause or contribute to depression. For some people depression symptoms occur before the onset of sleep complications, but for others sleep problems appear first. Either way, sleep problems are associated with more severe depression. The Worsening of ADHD. Not everyone with sleep apnea has ADHD, just like not everyone with ADHD has sleep apnea, but it can be possible. Large tonsils and adenoids can partially block the airway at night, which can cause snoring and poor sleep. In turn that may lead to attention problems during the day, as well as daytime sleepiness. […]

27November
2017
If you are experiencing an extremely painful headache, it might be a migraine. However, while migraines might be annoying and difficult to deal with, they don’t typically cause any serious complications. With a new study, migraines were determined to be an early sign of arthritis in the jaw. What is the Connection? Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is based in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull on either side of the face. With about one-third of the adult population suffering from TMD to some degree, it can trigger a variety of symptoms, including: Joint pain Reduced jaw movement Clicking or popping of the joint Muscle pain and fatigue With the development of TMD, many people can experience increased severity and frequency of migraines. In this study, it showed that patients with chronic migraines occurring on more than 15 days out of the month, are three times more likely to report more severe symptoms. For about 75 percent of those that suffer from frequent migraines, treatment for TMD provides relief, but other people might also experience more serious complications, such as teeth clenching or grinding, injury, infection or connective tissue disease. And in rare cases, it can […]

15November
2017
In addition to sleep apnea treatments it is also important to make lifestyle changes. Through these changes, you can improve your sleep and eliminate your symptoms of sleep apnea—it’s a win/win for your health and your sleep! Here are three lifestyle changes you should start making immediately. Quit Smoking. We have all been told that smoking is harmful to your overall health. But did you know it could be leading to your sleep apnea? If you quit smoking, you not only can potentially improve your health, but your sleep apnea as well. Quitting may be difficult, but the end result is worth it. Protect your health and improve your sleep by quitting today! Lose Weight, Exercise More. These two go hand-in-hand. One of the leading causes of sleep apnea is obesity. Due to being overweight, your airway can become blocked. By losing weight you can improve your sleep and eliminate your symptoms, while also improving your overall health. To lose weight it is important to get regular exercise, even if that means only 30 minutes a day. Through exercise you can improve your health while getting a better night’s sleep. Eliminate or Minimize Alcohol. While you may enjoy winding down […]

10November
2017
It has also been shown that those who suffer from sleep disorders might also be suffering from a problem directly related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD). A disorder in the TMJ can cause pain and discomfort in other parts of the body and symptoms, such as sleep apnea, teeth grinding and tension headaches or migraines. And, when this occurs, it can negatively impact a good night’s sleep. What is Sleep Apnea? Studies continue to be conducted showcasing the connection between TMD and sleep disturbances. In many cases, a misaligned jaw joint, or TMJD, is actually to blame for sleep apnea. This is because the tongue’s position is impacted by the alignment of the upper and lower teeth, so when the teeth are misaligned, the tongue can block the airway as you sleep. When this problem occurs, it can cause a person to wake up frequently throughout the night. What is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)? Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is also another symptoms of TMD. With a misalignment of the jaw, many people will unconsciously grind or clench their teeth together. As a result, bruxism causes significant damage to your teeth and is something that can be easily corrected with proper […]
If you chew gum and suffer from headaches or jaw pain, you might want to think twice before you pick up that new pack of gum. A person suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) might find it painful to chew gum while others will gladly chew it on a daily basis. In a study of 30 daily gum chewers between the ages of 6 and 19, each suffered from chronic migraines or tension headaches and jaw pain. After eliminating the usage of gum, 19 of the 30 gum chewers had their headache and jaw pain go away completely while another seven had a reduction in headache frequency and severity. When 26 of them began to chew gum again, they only felt their pain return. Before you reach for another stick of gum, consider these side-effects: Junk Food Increase The more gum you chew, the more unhealthy foods you might find yourself eating. And, when you eat junk food, the more weight you may gain, which can then lead to further complications, such as sleep apnea. Research even shows that people who chewed gum are less likely to eat fruit, but went straight to the potato chips or candy. Why is […]

1September
2017
We all know sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, sleep conditions, such as sleep apnea, can hinder a person’s ability to sleep and their quality of sleep. When this occurs, other severe health conditions can arise. We’ve discussed a few before, but let’s take a look at some other conditions: High Blood Pressure Here are some numbers for you to keep in mind. Approximately 30-40% of people with high blood pressure, and up to 85% of those with treatment-resistant high blood pressure, have sleep apnea. With those numbers, why wouldn’t you seek treatment? Research even shows that patients who receive treatment with oral appliance therapy for their sleep apnea experience reduced blood pressure. Depression It has been found that men with sleep apnea are more than twice as likely to exhibit signs of clinical depression. Women, too, were five times more likely to report symptoms of major depression. Wow! With those high numbers, it is important to not only get diagnosed with sleep apnea, but to receive proper treatment as well. The longer you put it off, the worse your symptoms can be. Diabetes Up to 83% of people with type 2 diabetes suffer from sleep apnea. […]

20August
2017
It’s important to note that sleep matters because if you don’t get enough, it can cause weight gain. Due to the production of excessive amounts of Ghrelin (an appetite-stimulating hormone) and insufficient amounts of Leptin (an appetite-suppressing hormone), we find ourselves gaining more weight than ever before. Let’s take a look at sleeping well and losing weight. The Importance of Sleep Not only do you produce more appetite-stimulating hormones and less appetite-suppressing hormones, you will also find you are fatigued and less active. When this occurs, you might turn to that “couch potato” lifestyle of watching TV and laying around all day. While this can be relaxing, if you do it often, it could cause you to gain more weight, as it provides more time and opportunity to eat. Additionally, with a lack of sleep due to sleep apnea, you can continue to remain overweight while experiencing a hard time losing weight. Several studies have been conducted to show the correlation between weight and sleep. By seeking proper treatment, you can not only get a better night’s sleep, but you can also begin to lose weight. Weight is linked to Sleep Apnea The biggest factor in sleep apnea is your […]

11August
2017
With the summer season almost over, are you missing out on eating your favorite juicy steak or burger? If so, that’s no fun at all! Summer is about grilling and enjoying your favorite foods on the grill, but if you can’t eat burgers, steak, corn on the cob, or other foods due to jaw pain, what fun is that? Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a steak, hamburger or corn on the cob lover’s nightmare because it makes eating hard or chewy foods extremely difficult. Symptoms including headaches, pain with chewing, locking, clicking and jaw pain, interfere with the motion of the jaw and daily life in general. TMD and Jaw Complications Headaches associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)are generally one sided headaches that occur just in the front of the opening of the ear. From there it spreads and can be very debilitating. The pain worsens with chewing and is sometimes aided with heat or ice, as well as resting the jaw. There are two types of TMD that can complicate your BBQ eating: Myofascial – this is a tension disorder in which the muscles used for chewing become inflamed and full of spasms and trigger points. This is a […]

14July
2017
If you are suffering from snoring or sleep apnea in Warrenton, VA, what do you often do first? You might contact your physician or an ENT specialist. While this might seem like the best line of defense, you’re actually skipping a key person: Your dentist. Because your dentist provides care for you at least twice a year, it places them in a unique position to help treat your sleep apnea and snoring. What are the Oral Origins? Snoring and sleep apnea are both caused by a collapse of the upper airway when the muscles relax during sleep, causing you to stop breathing during the night. The largest muscle, and the most likely culprit for the collapse of the airway is the tongue, which is much larger than most people realize. The tongue is present in the mouth but it also extends down the throat and beyond throughout most of the length of the collapsible upper airway. What is the Dentist’s Role? Dr. Bonnie Foster, our dentist in Warrenton, VA, has maintained advanced training in oral appliance therapy for the treatment of sleep apnea. Through this, she can provide you with a custom-fit FDA-approved dental device to help control the collapsing […]

7July
2017
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD) are commonly associated with pain in the jaw. And, while jaw pain is one of the main symptoms of TMD, it is also important to understand there is other pain associated with this condition. Dr. Bonnie Foster, our Warrenton, VA dentist, is available to work with you to find the cause of your pain—whether it is jaw, ear or sinus related. Let’s take a closer look at ear and sinus pain as they relate to TMD in Warrenton. The Connection With Your Ears Other than when you were a child, you may not have experienced pain in your ear—or at least enough to notice it. However, ear problems are also linked with your TMJ disorder. If you are suffering from TMD, ear pain and other symptoms is very common and predictable. The muscle that determines the size of the Eustachian tube (ear pressure) directly influences the same nerve that serves the jaw muscles and TMJ. As a result, you might experience ear pain due to the changes in the way the Eustachian tube affects the ear. The Connection With Your Sinuses When you suffer from TMD, you can also experience pain in your sinuses. Sinus […]

26June
2017
Let’s face it; Snoring can be a little annoying, especially for someone listening to it. However, if the snorer repeatedly stops breathing for brief moments, it is often a sign of sleep apnea, which can lead to cardiovascular problems. And, as a result, this can potentially be life threatening. Sleep apnea prevents you from getting restful sleep each night and can be associated with high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke and heart failure. The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Heart Failure Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American while stroke is the fourth cause and a leading cause of disability while high blood pressure is a major risk factor for both. If you find yourself waking up exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, visit Dr. Bonnie Foster, our dentist in Warrenton, VA for sleep apnea care. We are available to help you sleep better at night by providing suitable dental treatments, including oral appliances. The connection between sleep apnea and heart disease continues to evolve at a very rapid pace. Whether sleep apnea actually causes heart disease is still unclear, but we do know that if you have sleep apnea today, the chances of developing hypertension in […]

21June
2017
Sleep apnea causes restless nights of sleep and exhaustion during the day, but did you know it can also affect other areas of your health? It can. Not only does sleep apnea negatively affect your sleep, but also it can play a role in Acid Reflux and Impotence. Let’s take a look at two health conditions that you may not know are affected by sleep apnea. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (Acid Reflux) Many people who suffer from sleep apnea or nasal problems are unaware that they also suffer from reflux. And, many times, you might be experiencing the symptoms, but not knowing what it is. If you suffer from GERD, you might be more likely to experience reflux symptoms during periods of wakefulness at night. By waking up frequently, your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and when you are awakened by an apnea episode, the event could trigger your reflux. Through treatment of sleep apnea, you can further decrease the incidence of GERD just as treatment of GERD can decrease your symptoms of sleep apnea. Impotence Waking up exhausted might seem like enough of a problem, but you may have to watch out for something else—impotence (erectile dysfunction). You may be […]

10May
2017
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that should not be ignored. In fact, sleep apnea can lead to an array of heath conditions that can take a toll on your life. Another health condition that is connected to sleep apnea is acid reflux. Have you ever felt a burning sensation in your chest that sometimes moves to your throat? Has it prevented you from getting a good night’s rest? By understanding the link between acid reflux (heart burn) and sleep apnea, you can take steps toward improved health care. What is Acid Reflux? Acid reflux is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the food pipe and irritates the lining. If you experience acid reflux, or heartburn, more than twice a week, this might indicate GERD. Symptoms of acid reflux include a burning sensation in the chest that usually occurs after eating and worsens while laying down. You can often find relief from heartburn with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications. Unfortunately, though, these options only provide temporary relief. What is the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Acid Reflux? While there is no proof that sleep apnea causes acid reflux or persistent heartburn, it has been […]

3May
2017
It’s that time of year again—spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner! With the warm months ahead of us, now is the time to grill out and have a drink with your friends and family, right? During these warm months, people decide to go to the local bars, sit on the patio or rooftop and indulge in some alcohol (maybe even a shot or two). While it might be fun for the day, there are negative effects of the consumption of alcohol on your body. Alcohol and It’s Effect on Your Sleep You might be thinking, “Oh I will fall right asleep and have a great night’s sleep after I drink a little.” This might seem like it’s true, but it isn’t. Alcohol has a negative effect on your sleep. Whether you are sleeping after a night of drinking, or even just a couple glasses at home, alcohol can cause: Vivid dreams and nightmares – you are more likely to have intense, colorful dreams and nightmares when alcohol is in your system. There is also a change you will even act out your dreams in your sleep or even sleepwalk. Breathing problems – Alcohol is […]

26April
2017
High blood pressure and sleep apnea go hand in hand—they’re a dangerous pair. Research suggests that anywhere from 30-50% of people with high blood pressure have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), too. Sleep apnea has been shown to increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure, while high blood pressure can cause sleep apnea or worsen breathing in those already affected by sleep apnea. Also known as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure can lead to further complications. The Connection Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can contribute to high blood pressure in people who have it due to the frequency of waking up at nighttime. Because of this, hormonal systems go into overdrive, which results in high blood pressure levels. The sudden drops in blood-oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea episodes increase blood pressure and place a strain on your cardiovascular system. However, sleep apnea is much more common in patients with resistant hypertension, who have tried a variety of high blood pressure treatment, but can’t seem to get their condition under control. Resistant hypertension is a major public health issue that needs to be addressed. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious complications, which means you need to do […]

20April
2017
If you have type 2 diabetes, you should also be watching out for sleep apnea. In fact, in a 2013 study it stated that people with type 2 diabetes can have a nearly 50-50 chance of being diagnosed with sleep apnea. Since sleep apnea can worsen diabetes symptoms, it is important to seek treatment right away. What is Type 2 Diabetes? Approximately 27 million people in the United States currently suffer from type 2 diabetes. And, another 86 million suffering from prediabetes. Diabetes occurs when your pancreas makes insulin, but the cells don’t use it as well as they should—this is insulin resistance. At first, the pancreas makes more insulin to try to get glucose into your cells. However, eventually it can’t keep up and sugar begins to build up in your blood instead. What is the Connection? People suffering from Type 2 diabetes will often also suffer from sleep apnea, which can also lead to obesity. As you might know, obesity is another common comorbidity of sleep apnea. In addition to obesity, diabetes and sleep apnea share a long list of other potential complications, including: High blood pressure Cardiovascular disease Eye disease Changes in glucose metabolism Weight control problems […]

4April
2017
Feeling sad every now and then is a fundamental part of the human experience, but persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness and disinterest in things are symptoms of depression. Today, depression affects at least 20 million Americans and it is not something that should be ignored. If you find that you are feeling depressed, take a look at your sleep—it’s essential and should be just as important as nutrition and physical activity for promoting overall health. Through various studies, we can see a clear link between sleep apnea and depression. Let’s take a look… The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Depression You may not think that your sleep reflects on your depression, but it does. When you are depressed, you may experience sleep problems, while sleep problems can also lead to depression. For instance, some people experience symptoms of depression before sleep complications come into place. However, some people experience sleep complications before depression appears. When sleep apnea is present in patients it is associated with more severe depression Treatment Options The solution is simple—seek treatment for your sleep apnea or depression right away. By treating your sleep apnea, you can help to not only improve your sleep, but your […]

28March
2017
When was the last time you woke up well rested? Has it been a while? We understand that snoring can get a little annoying, especially for someone listening to it. However, if the snorer frequently stops breathing for brief moments throughout the night, it might be a sign of sleep apnea. And, as a result, this can lead to cardiovascular problems that is potentially life threatening. What is Sleep Apnea? A person with sleep apnea may experience pauses in breathing five to 30 times per hour or more during sleep. When these episodes occur, a person may not wake up. However, if you do wake up during these episodes, you might gasp for air. As a result, sleep apnea prevents you from getting restful sleep each night and can be associated with: High blood pressure Arrhythmia Stroke Heart failure These are all conditions that are preventable with proper care and lifestyle changes. Without proper treatment, you are opening up the chance for further complications. The Connection Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American while stroke is the fourth cause and a leading cause of disability while high blood pressure is a major risk factor for both. The […]

21March
2017
When you seek treatment for your sleep apnea, you can reduce your risk for a variety of health conditions, such as: Heart Disease Stroke Diabetes Hypertension Through treatment with oral appliance therapy, you can also experience an improvement in daytime alertness, concentration and emotional stability. With that being said, why wouldn’t you want to get treated? The ease of use and easy transport of oral appliance therapy makes this sleep apnea treatment option a good alternative to CPAP therapy. While oral appliance therapy has a list of benefits, let’s take a look at some of the side effects you might experience. Potential Side Effects Just like other treatments, when you first begin treatment with oral appliance therapy, there might be a few side effects. Thankfully, these side effects are nothing to worry about and disappear after continued use. At the beginning of your treatment, oral appliance therapy might cause the following minor side effects: Excessive salivation Dry mouth Tooth and jaw discomfort Temporary bite changes These are minor side effects, and will go away once you become comfortable with treatment—it’s completely normal. Other Complications In rare cases, some patients may experience other complications that can be avoided and fixed with […]

16March
2017
Snoring isn’t anything to worry about, right? Wrong. Frequent, long snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a common and potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts as you sleep. To protect yourself and improve your health, it is important to understand the difference between snoring and sleep apnea. The Connection is Important Severe snoring can cause an array of problems, including sleep disturbances for the snorer and other household members as well as walking episodes. Snoring does not always result in sleep apnea, but chronic snoring may indicate an underlying sleep disorder. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase risk of: High blood pressure Heart attacks Diabetes Car accidents due to sleepiness while driving By understanding snoring, sleep apnea and the connection between the two conditions, you can continue to improve your health and rest. What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a type of breathing disorder, which is a serious, and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea: Central Sleep Apnea– In this type of sleep apnea, the upper airway is open, but no oxygen is getting into the system. Obstructive Sleep […]

7March
2017
Stop what you’re doing and put sleep apnea and snoring at the top of your list for seeking treatment. Why? Because untreated sleep apnea can lead to further complications with your health. Let’s take a look at 3 negative effects of untreated sleep apnea on your oral and overall health. High Blood Pressure and Stroke A sudden drop in blood-oxygen levels occurring during sleep apnea episodes increase blood pressure and places a strain on your cardiovascular system. It is estimated that 50% of people with sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can play a serious role in heart disease. Additionally, when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, your brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Within just a few minutes, brain cells begin to die. Through the damage and stress to your blood vessels, it is believed that this is caused by blood pressure and oxygen changes from sleep apnea, which increases your risk of stroke. Worsening of ADHD Not everyone with sleep apnea has ADHD, just like not everyone with ADHD has sleep apnea, but it can be possible. Large tonsils and adenoids can partially block the airway at […]

1March
2017
Have you ever experienced a sleepless night? Many people who can’t sleep will wonder if they suffer from some sort of sleeping disorder. Occurring in many people, sleep disorders prevent or limit sleep, which can lead to disruptions in daily behavior patterns while hindering a person’s ability to work. Let’s take a closer look at restless leg syndrome. Restless Leg Syndrome Restless leg syndrome affects approximately 10% of the U.S. population. It is a sleep disorder that involves the nervous system and causes an urge for a person to move their legs. Since this usually interferes with sleep, it is considered a sleep disorder. People with restless leg syndrome experience the following symptoms: Uncomfortable sensations in their legs Irresistible urge to move their legs and relieve the sensations Restless leg syndrome often feels like uncomfortable itchy, pins and needle sensations in the legs. These sensations are typically worse while at rest, especially while lying or sitting with symptoms worse in the evening and at night. As a result, the lack of sleep can hinder a person’s day-to-day life. Contact Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Center of Virginia for more information on restless leg syndrome and other sleep disorders, including sleep […]

23February
2017
Sleep apnea can lead to a long list of complications in other conditions (as well as its own condition). To expand on this area of the worsening of conditions, sleep apnea has an inability to regulate blood pressure. Just one bout of sleep apnea can impact your ability to regulate blood pressure—only one instance can lead to high blood pressure. So what happens when it continues to occur? It continues to get worse. The Connection with Sleep Apnea and Blood Pressure Sleep apnea can result in frequent periods of decreased oxygen levels in the body. This is known as intermittent hypoxia. Just six hours of fluctuating oxygen levels associate with sleep apnea can deteriorate a person’s circulatory system. We know that sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure and can impact the cardiovascular system in one day. As little as only six hours of fluctuating oxygen levels can lead to the body’s inability to regulate blood pressure—imagine what would happen after 8 hours. These changes occur instantly in healthy young adults–it’s not something many can prepare themselves for. For those suffering from sleep apnea, interventions should take place as soon as a diagnosis is found. Contact Craniofacial Pain and […]

13February
2017
Have you ever woken up to your partner snoring? Or maybe your partner woke you up because YOU were snoring. Either way you look at it, snoring can get a little annoying, especially for someone who has to listen to it. However, snoring stops being annoying when the snorer repeatedly stops breathing for brief moments throughout the night. As a sign of sleep apnea, snoring can lead to cardiovascular problems, which is potentially life threatening. A person with sleep apnea may experience pauses in breathing five to 30 times per hour or more during sleep. Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease Connection When sleep apnea episodes occur, you might not wake up. However, if you do wake up, you might gasp for air. Sleep apnea prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep every night. It can also be associated with high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke and heart failure. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America and stroke is the fourth cause. These conditions are the leading cause of disability while high blood pressure is a major risk factor for both. If you find yourself waking up exhausted after a full night’s sleep, contact Dr. Bonnie Foster today. […]

30January
2017
Whether you realize it or not, there are many people who suffer from snoring or sleep apnea—that might just be you. People who suffer from snoring, sleep apnea, or both will often visit their family doctor or an ENT specialist for further diagnosis. However, if you do that, you might be skipping a key person in the treatment of sleep apnea. But who is that? Your dentist in Warrenton, Dr. Bonnie Foster! Yes, Dr. Foster can provide you with the information and care you need for sleep apnea in Warrenton. Begin with Oral Origins It all begins with your oral health. Snoring and sleep apnea are caused by a collapse of the upper airway when the muscles relax during sleep. As a result, you experience episodes of stoppage in breathing throughout the night. The largest muscle is the tongue, which is most likely the culprit for the collapse of the airway. Often times, the tongue might even be larger than normal. While the tongue is present in the mouth, it also extends down the throat and beyond—throughout most of the length of the collapsible upper airway. Dr. Foster’s Role in Sleep Apnea Treatment To meet your individual needs in Warrenton […]

23January
2017
There’s a complex link between sleep apnea and depression. We can see that depression causes sleep problems and sleep problems can contribute to depression. At Warrenton Dental Center, we provide dental sleep medicine services in order to be your first line of defense against sleep apnea and other conditions. By visiting Dr. Bonnie Foster, our dentist in Warrenton, we can help treat sleep apnea. What’s the Connection? As dental and medical fields continue to advance, so do the links. Recently, we have seen a link between sleep apnea and depression. This is especially true because insomnia is very common among depressed patients. Evidence even suggests that people with insomnia are 10 times more likely to develop depression than those who actually get a good night’s sleep. For those who are depressed, they can suffer from a variety of insomnia symptoms, including: Difficulty falling and staying asleep Un-refreshing sleep Daytime sleepiness Obstructive sleep apnea is linked with depression because it has been found that people with depression are five times more likely to suffer from sleep-disordered breathing. Yikes! Treating Sleep Apnea The good news is that treating OSA may improve depression (Yay!). And, in many cases, because symptoms of depression often […]

16January
2017
Smoking causes lung cancer—we know that. However, it can also lead to further complications with sleep apnea. With a long list of risk factors, sleep apnea will increase if you smoke. In fact, smoking may even triple your risk of developing sleep apnea. Now that’s proof in itself that you should quit smoking now. Let’s take a closer look at this connection. The Sleep Apnea and Smoking Connection Smoking causes the narrowing of your airway. When this occurs, your risk of sleep apnea increases. This is also the reason why unrelated physical features, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, can also lead to an increased risk of sleep apnea in Warrenton. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor to sleep apnea because, over time, smoking can cause the airway to become narrower. As a result, this can lead to an increased risk of airway obstruction while sleeping. Cigarette smoke is an irritant, which can cause the upper airway to become inflamed. This irritation from smoking can also lead to increased fluid retention in the area. Inflammation and retained fluid combine to narrow the airway, which increases the likelihood of snoring and other sleeping complications. Quit Smoking Today Treating sleep apnea requires […]

9January
2017
Sleep apnea can be a complex condition that is often hard to understand. In order to help you better understand your sleep apnea diagnosis, we have put together some helpful information and tips. With just a few tips below, we hope you will be able to better comprehend your diagnosis so you can take the steps necessary to get a better night’s sleep and improve your health. Don’t Wait for Treatment Take action to get a better night’s sleep by seeking treatment for sleep apnea in Warrenton, VA. If you continue to ignore your sleep apnea symptoms, it can be extremely dangerous to both your health and sleep. From high blood pressure to diabetes, the comorbidities of untreated sleep apnea can be life threatening. The first step is knowing what treatment methods exist and how you can find relief from your sleep apnea symptoms. Remember to Lose Weight One of the main causes of sleep apnea is excessive weight. If someone with sleep apnea is overweight or obese, they will benefit from losing weight. Be sure to stick to a sensible diet while also incorporating a good amount of exercise into your routine. Research continues to show that reducing the […]

19December
2016
Have you ever wondered who is at risk for sleep apnea? It is common to wonder if you are at risk for sleep apnea, so we have put together some information to help. As you may already know, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the breathing pathways through the mouth, nose or throat are collapsed or blocked. These airways are susceptible to blockages or collapse as the muscle tone lining these pathways relax during sleep. Let’s take a look at some of the groups at risk of developing this sleep apnea. If You Are Overweight The biggest group at risk for sleep apnea is those that are overweight. Overweight individuals have excess tissue, which may place added pressure on the airway. In fact, more than half of those with sleep apnea are classified as being overweight. Because of this, it is important to tackle the issue at hand. If You Are a Smoker Smokers are three times more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea than those that do not smoke. Why? Because smoking causes an increase of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, which can further aggravate sleep apnea symptoms. Both smoking and sleep apnea are deadly […]

12December
2016
Snoring and sleep apnea are no big deal, right? Wrong. Ignoring sleep apnea or snoring can lead to the worsening of symptoms. Make treatment a top priority in order to prevent further complications. Let’s take a look at three negative effects that sleep apnea can have on your oral and overall health when treatment is ignored. Stroke The leading complication of untreated sleep apnea is stroke. When the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, your brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Within just a few minutes, brain cells begin to die. Through the damage and stress to your blood vessels, it is believed that this is caused by blood pressure and oxygen changes from sleep apnea, which increases your risk of stroke. Diabetes Rates of diabetes are higher among people with sleep apnea. This is because diabetes and sleep apnea share common risk factors, including obesity and advancing age. More than half of people that are obese are considered to be at a high risk for developing sleep apnea, while further studies also suggest having sleep apnea increases the risk of developing diabetes. It appears to be quite the dilemma. Depression Depression […]

5December
2016
With such a busy schedule you might find yourself contemplating skipping out on sleep. After all, losing a few hours of sleep won’t do any harm, right? This isn’t the case. The truth is that you can’t afford to lose sleep. Just as we need to eat, we also need to sleep. We might not be thinking about sleep all day, but we do acknowledge that we need it at some point. By getting a proper amount of sleep each night, we feel more alert, more energetic, happier, and we can even function better. And, by going without sleep, you will begin feeling worse. Lost Sleep Losing a night of sleep can cause you to feel irritable during the next day. It can even cause you to slow down and become tired easily. However, if you lose two nights of sleep, your symptoms can worsen: Concentration will be difficult Attention span will fall by the wayside Mistakes will increase Because of this, your day-to-day life will become more difficult to complete. The more sleep you lose, the more your body will begin to shut down. After the third day of no sleep, you might begin to hallucinate, which can cause […]

2December
2016
People who snore loudly are often the target of bad jokes and middle of the night elbow jabs. While snoring is no laughing matter, it is important for to get appropriate treatment so your symptoms do not worsen. Loud, disruptive snoring may strain relationships, but it may also signal a potentially life threatening disorder: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To help with the treatment of sleep apnea, we offer oral appliances at MAP Laboratory. What is Oral Appliance Therapy? The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) has stated that oral appliance therapy is a recommended form of treatment for adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who: Are CPAP intolerant Prefer an alternate therapy option While CPAP therapy is still the first-line option for treating OSA, oral appliance therapy is an effective alternative that is preferred by many patients. Despite the fact that treatment with a CPAP machine is extremely successful, there are a number of patients who cannot or choose not to wear the facemask with the attached air compressor. When patients are CPAP non-compliant, oral appliance therapy can be a good option. Experience the Benefits One of the leading benefits of oral appliance therapy is the increased mobility. Oral […]

22March
2016
That’s right! March 22, 2016 is National Diabetes Day! While this might only be one day, it is important to keep raising awareness for diabetes all year long. This is especially true because of the connect between diabetes and sleep apnea. So, in light of National Diabetes Day, let’s talk about an area of sleep apnea you might not have realized was connected: Co-morbid conditions. Comorbidity is a health condition that often exists at the same time in the same person as a different condition. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one health condition causes the other, but it does mean that the two conditions are so frequently found together that doctors acknowledge that there is some kind of connection between them. Comorbidities of sleep apnea have been shown to include a number of health conditions, including diabetes, so let’s take a closer look: Type 2 Diabetes If you have type 2 diabetes it is very common to also suffer from sleep apnea. Additionally, type 2 diabetes can also lead to obesity, which is another common comorbidity of sleep apnea. Both diabetes and sleep apnea share a long list of potential complications, including: High blood pressure Cardiovascular disease Eye disease Changes […]