Sleep Apnea 

     Sleep apnea is a common condition that is vastly underdiagnosed.  The condition is estimated to affect 2-3% of women and 5% of men.  The main symptoms consist of loud snoring and brief periods of diminution or cessation of breathing when asleep.  The periods of difficulty breathing are often not known to the patient.  Occasionally the patient’s spouse notes the problem.  During the day, apnea patients are often drowsy.  They may fall asleep during monotonous tasks such as reading, watching TV or even driving.  Sleep apnea is linked to the development of high blood pressure, and by extension, to heart disease.

     The diagnosis is made by sleep study where periods of apnea recorded.  The treatments include weight loss, the use of a mask worn at night while sleeping (CPAP mask) which blows air into the airway to keep it from closing when sleeping, surgery and the use of a dental device to advance the airway.  The dental device and surgery are more effective for mild-moderate apnea and don’t usually reverse severe sleep apnea.