Dangers of Sleep Apnea

tapSleep is essential to your health and well-being. If you have sleep apnea, you may not realize just how much it is affecting you. Sleep apnea does more than make you snore at night; it also prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, leaving you vulnerable to a myriad of health risks caused by not getting sufficient quality rest. Dr. Benjamin Fiss can create a customized TAP oral appliance to reduce sleep apnea and improve the quality of your sleep.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Sometimes during sleep, a person’s airways will partially collapse and narrow, causing the individual to snore. If the airways become completely blocked, breathing will stop. If breathing stops for more than 10 seconds, it is considered a sign of OSA. The body responds to the lack of oxygen by releasing adrenaline, increasing blood pressure and heart rate to partially awaken the person. This upsets normal sleep patterns, leading to chronic sleepiness and other negative symptoms. The disruption of breathing and sleeping associated with OSA can happen hundreds of times every night. This sleep disorder is as common as asthma and diabetes and may be life threatening.

How Sleep Apnea Can Impact Your Well-Being

OSA makes it impossible to get a good night’s sleep. In an attempt to restore natural breathing, the body may partially awaken you up to 50 times per hour, preventing you from experiencing a restful night’s sleep. This leads to chronic daytime sleepiness, which can impact everything you attempt to do throughout the day. The snoring can make it difficult for your partner to sleep as well, leading both parties to suffer the effects of poor sleep. Snoring may be worsened in individuals who are overweight or who smoke or drink excessively. People who have OSA may suffer from loss of productivity, depression, heartburn, headaches, high blood pressure, impotence, and a three-fold increase in the risk of auto accidents. Severe cases of OSA may lead to stroke or heart failure.

TAP Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be non-surgically treated with an oral appliance called the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP). The TAP is a device like a mouth guard that is worn while sleeping. Advanced technology allows the TAP to hold the lower jaw in a forward position to prevent it from falling open during the night and obstructing the airways. This way, the TAP keeps the airways clear, reduces snoring, and improves night breathing so that the individual can finally get a good night’s sleep. The TAP is custom-made for each patient and can be adjusted by the patient as needed for maximum comfort and effectiveness. With this comfortable and effective device, you can treat sleep apnea, reduce or eliminate symptoms, and dramatically improve your quality of life.

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