Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing while they are asleep. This cessation in breathing can happen hundreds of times per night and can last for long periods of time. If left untreated sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, memory problems, weight gain, heartburn, depression, and headaches. It will also cause restless nights of sleep and leave you feeling tired when you wake up and throughout your day. If you suspect you have sleep apnea talk to your physician or Dr. Hackney.

There are many methods of treatment for sleep apnea. Dental appliances that reposition the jaw and open the airway are highly effective for certain types of sleep apnea or when a CPAP machine cannot be tolerated. Ask Dr. Hackney at your next visit if you would be a good candidate for a dental sleep apnea appliance.

Many times snoring is caused by a restriction in the airway. The same dental appliance that is used for sleep apnea can also be used to reduce nighttime snoring. If you or your bed partner is losing sleep because of snoring, please ask Dr. Hackney about how a sleep appliance can help.

Somnomed- www.somnomed.com
Academy of General Dentistry – A Dentist’s Role in Sleep Apnea