New Forms of Treating Sleep Apnea, Uncovering the Myths
(PRWEB) January 23, 2014 -- From infancy the importance of sleep is stressed to people: the power of a full 8 hours on the brain of the child in school, the importance of nap time, and sleep during illness recovery, and so forth. The need for sleep never goes away, though we may not place as much importance on it past childhood. Sleep is essentially as important as eating or drinking, and yet many of us suffer from night after night of restless sleep, masking the symptoms with chemical over the counter drugs that often have damaging side effects to the body, and really do nothing to actually treat the condition.
How can those who suffer from Sleep Apnea (a type of sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or instances of shallow or infrequent breathing during sleep.) [Source Wikepedia] truly be at a disadvantage, and even in a possible space of danger, and what are the myths surrounding this condition? With breakthroughs in research, and through studies we now know a whole lot more about it, though many people are still relatively uninformed about a condition that actually effects as many as 70 million Americans, at an annual cost of $16 billion in health care expenses and $50 billion in lost productivity. Wow.
Before taking a look at some of the myths about Sleep Apnea, here is a brief overview of what it actually is.
“This sleep disorder is due to the blockage of the airway by tissue from the tonsils, tongue, or throat. Those with sleep apnea have interrupted breathing sometimes up to a few hundred times a night.
Some may believe that sleep disorders like sleep apnea are not very dangerous, when compared to other everyday risks we may face in the world. This is a dangerous myth, because sleep apnea has many spiraling health consequences. For example, untreated sleep apnea has been associated with on-the-job injuries, automobile accidents, strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases. The fatigue and drowsiness caused by losing deep sleep to sleep apnea will leave one prone to accidents and major health risks.” –Dr. Gorman
Because Sleep Apnea is such an under diagnosed sleeping disorders, most Americans are extremely miss informed, thus many myths surround the condition. Some of which include; the belief that sleep apnea only effects those who are elderly, or over weight. While the percentage rate for those diagnosed with the condition is higher for those over 40, it can affect a person at any age. Weight also can play a contributing factor in the cause of the condition, and studies showing that losing a few pounds has shown to help alleviate the symptoms. Sleep apnea is actually common in children, often causing bad behavior and poor grades, reducing the child’s ability to concentrate.
Dr. Gorman’s mentors developed breakthroughs in both understanding sleep apnea, and creating an effective form of treatment.
Los Angeles Sleep Apnea Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman offers an oral appliance alternative to CPAP for sleep and snoring suffers who can't tolerate CPAP and want to improve their health with a full night's sleep.
“While prescribed CPAP is considered the "gold standard" in sleep apnea treatment, many sleep-challenged folks are now opting to breath easy with a lightweight dental appliance that keep the airway open, ensuring a restful night sleep. With CPAP compliance at less than 50%, it's important that sleep apnea sufferers who are not using their prescribed CPAP machine or can't tolerate it understand the effective alternative treatments available to them. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, recently declared oral appliances to be acceptable first-line treatment for mild to moderate Sleep Apnea. If you are currently struggling with CPAP or wish to try a more comfortable, FDA approved alternative. Feel free to contact Dr. Gorman if you have any questions or concerns.” –Dr. Gorman
There is no longer a need to suffer through a restless nights sleep, and deprive the body of the recharge that it so desperately needs.
Martin Gorman, Dr. Martin N. Gorman, 818-995-1891, [email protected]
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