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Loud snoring affects nearly 90 million Americans — and their sleeping partners. Beyond being annoying, snoring is associated with poor sleep quality and, in about half of all cases, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available, including one from your dentist’s office. 

While obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) almost always causes loud snoring, snoring itself doesn’t guarantee that you have OSA. To differentiate between standard snoring issues and the more serious indication of OSA, take a closer look at your snoring. 

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA?) 

Sleep apnea obstructs your airway and ability to breathe, causing you to wake up in order to start breathing again. Regular snoring, while keeping your non-snoring partner awake, won’t typically wake you up. If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, gasping for air, or always lethargic during your day, you should be evaluated for OSA.

People with sleep apnea also tend to snore more regularly and loudly. They may even momentarily stop breathing for short periods during sleep. Talk to your partner. If they notice these snoring signs during your sleep, it is time to consult with our sleep center about the likelihood of sleep apnea. 

What are the Health Risks of OSA?

If you suffer from OSA, your risk for diabetes, heart issues, depression and other serious conditions increases significantly. The constant pauses in breathing are also known to have an effect on the brain. Untreated sleep apnea can cause memory problems, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating. On an interpersonal level, the snoring and gasping associated with obstructive sleep apnea can be hard on personal relationships.

Treatments for OSA

CPAP therapy, a mask-and-hose device that delivers pressurized air through the nose and mouth, is the standard recommended treatment for severe cases of sleep apnea. However, special oral appliances, available from our doctor, are also highly effective. For many people, oral appliances feel less intrusive in mild to moderate OSA cases. They gently position the jaw forward and keep the tongue from rolling back and obstructing the airway. 

Oral appliances can be used in conjunction with CPAPs: if a patient removes the CPAP mask during sleep, the oral appliance can be used as a backup. The appliance, which resembles a nightguard, is also handy for travel.  

Are you ready to take the first step towards more restful sleep and better overall health? Schedule an appointment with our Glen Burnie sleep apnea office today. 

In recent years, researchers have begun to make deep inquiries into all things sleep related. While there’s still quite a bit to learn, we have gained knowledge that helps us spend our nights in the most restful way. Below we’ll give you a series of questions related to sleep and their answers, some of which just may surprise you.

1.) How much of our lives are spent sleeping? 

The average person spends roughly one-third of their life asleep. However, if you suffer from sleep apnea, this important portion of your life could be greatly affected. It’s worth getting treatment that could help you spend that third of your life getting the best rest possible.  

2.) How long should it take most people to fall asleep?

The National Sleep Foundation says that falling asleep should take about 10 to 20 minutes from the moment you climb into bed. If it takes you more or less time, it could be your body’s way of telling you that something is off. If you find yourself falling asleep almost instantly, it could be that you’re not sleeping enough, or not getting the restful sleep that you need. If you struggle to get a full night’s sleep, you should consult with a doctor.

3.) Which can kill you faster – sleep deprivation or food deprivation?

Sleep is actually more important for your body than food in the short term. Your body’s fuel may be food, but it simply can’t run without the proper amount of sleep. While death is an uncommon end result of sleep apnea, if you’re not getting the restorative sleep you need every night it could be causing serious damage to your overall health. 

4.) What percent of people dream only in black and white?

According to the New York Times, only about 12 percent of people dream without color. Surprisingly, before color TV, it was found that the opposite was true, with only about 15% of people dreaming in color. Today, older people dream in black and white more often than their younger counterparts. 

5.) What is the term for finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning?

Everyone has days when it may be difficult to get out of bed. However, if you find it to be a nearly impossible struggle to rise from bed nearly every morning, it may be from something called dysania. This condition can have many underlying causes, one of which is sleep apnea. Getting your sleep apnea treated could help you overcome dysania and have you ready to tackle every day with energy and enthusiasm. 

6.) What percentage of married couples sleep in separate beds?

A National Sleep Foundation study found that 1 in 4 married couples sleep in different beds, while 10 percent sleep in different rooms. If your loud, continuous snoring is preventing you from sharing a bed with your partner, it may be worth seeing if you have sleep apnea and getting treatment.

Sleep apnea affects nearly 22 million Americans, but you don’t have to live with the restless nights it causes. Schedule a consultation with our office today and discuss your treatment options with us. We can find one that works for you and helps you reclaim that third of your life that you spend sleeping. Our Glen Burnie sleep apnea team looks forward to helping you find rest.

Sleep apnea affects an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans and is believed to be on the rise along with obesity rates and heart disease. This increase means it is more important than ever to stay informed. One fact to know: there are different kinds of sleep apnea. Let’s explore the two main types.  

Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

The most common kind of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is estimated to affect around 30 percent of men and 15 percent of women. Patients who suffer from this disruptive sleep disorder have difficulty with concentration, thought, and memory during the day. Obstructive sleep apnea has also been shown to cause more accidents in the workplace and while driving. In fact, people with sleep apnea have three times the risk of getting into a car accident than the general population.

Caused by a blockage of the airways during sleep, usually from excess body weight, OSA symptoms affect sufferers both day and night. During sleep they snore loudly, gasp for air, suffer from insomnia, and experience restless sleep.  By day, they may feel lethargic no matter how long they sleep and suffer from a host of issues including morning headaches, irritability and confusion, fatigue, poor memory and attention, and even sexual dysfunction. 

This type of sleep apnea also increases the risk of developing many other conditions, including high blood pressure, heart failure and heart disease, insulin resistance, and depression.

Central Sleep Apnea 

The second type of sleep apnea is referred to as central sleep apnea (CSA). Rather than creating an interruption to the airway, this type of sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Usually occurring in infants or adults with heart disease, this type of sleep apnea is just as serious as its counterpart but is significantly less common. 

Treatment for Sleep Apnea 

Symptoms vary between the two kinds of sleep apnea, and so do the treatments. When it comes to obstructive sleep apnea, the CPAP machine is the most common means of reopening the airway. However, for patients with a CPAP intolerance, oral appliance therapy is an excellent way to facilitate normal breathing throughout the night. We can explore this option with you if your OSA is mild to moderate.

The cause, symptoms, and frequency of the two sleep apnea types are different, and it is crucial to understand both. However, you need a healthcare professional to make a diagnosis and treat the underlying issues. 

If you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from either kind of sleep apnea, contact our Sleep Apnea dental office and schedule an appointment. We can help you determine if a sleep test is necessary and can provide you with expert treatment. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out and ask our Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea Dentist.      

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
Url: https://chesapeakesleepapnea.com/
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may also be changing the structure of your brain. The oxygen deprivation associated with cessation of breathing may have serious consequences for your memory, emotional regulation, and cognitive function.

The physical side effects of sleep apnea are well documented. It is linked to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. But obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can take a heavy toll on your brain in several ways.

Sleep Apnea and Mammillary Bodies

When individuals suffer from sleep apnea, they often struggle to breathe, or even stop altogether for short periods throughout the night. Loud snoring or gasping is a hallmark of this condition. As the brain’s oxygen supply is cut off, measurable physical damage occurs, changing the brain’s normal functions.

Mammillary bodies – the structures responsible for memory storage – are particularly affected by this lack of oxygen. A UCLA study compared the mammillary bodies of sleep apnea sufferers with those of healthy individuals. They found that the troubled sleepers had nearly 20 percent smaller mammillary bodies than those who slept well.

Multiple studies have discovered a decrease in both gray and white matter in OSA-affected brains. This research also concluded that poor sleep quality caused by obstructive sleep apnea could be responsible for poor memory, emotional problems, and decreased cognitive function.

Neurotransmitters and OSA

There are two important chemicals that impact how the brain is working. Referred to as neurotransmitters, these chemicals are glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Studies done by the UCLA School of Nursing found substantial differences in the amounts of these two chemicals present in the brains of sleep apnea patients. In high doses, glutamate can actually cause damage to the brain. The good news is these effects have been shown to be reversible.

Good News for Sleep Apnea Patients

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine conducted a pair of studies that evaluated the effects of CPAP therapy. They found that after one year of treatment, the white matter in patients’ brains was almost completely restored, while gray matter substantially improved after three months. CPAP therapy may not be the solution for everyone. In fact, oral appliance therapy can also achieve the goal of opening the airways and delivering more oxygen to the body in some people who are having difficulty adjusting to CPAP.

If you or a loved one is suffering from brain-related symptoms of sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea dentist. Together, you can find a solution that will have you feeling like yourself again.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
Url: https://chesapeakesleepapnea.com/
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

When we picture someone who suffers from sleep apnea, we often think of an overweight middle-aged man. While many people who suffer from sleep apnea fit this description, the disorder can technically affect anyone, even children.

As you might imagine, there are noticeable differences in how sleep apnea affects young people. For example, while adults often experience daytime drowsiness, children will experience behavioral problems.

The most common cause of childhood sleep apnea comes from an enlargement of the tonsils. This differs greatly from adults, who are often affected due to weight gain.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition for everyone, but it’s especially serious for kids who are still developing mentally and physically. If left untreated, childhood sleep apnea can hinder their growth, affect cognitive development, and cause frequent illness.

Many studies from around the world have found that sleep is especially important to development for young people. If a child isn’t getting enough sleep, they might notice weight gain, difficulty focusing, problems in school, or even diabetes.

Growth hormones are primarily secreted during deep sleep, but if a child is suffering from sleep apnea, this deep sleep may not typically be achieved. One possible long term consequence can be stunted growth. Sleep also protects kids from obesity while building up a stronger immune system and attention span; without adequate rest, both will suffer.

Sleep quality affects many essential developmental functions in children. A careful sleep apnea evaluation by a specialist will offer insight and provide early intervention. Contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today!

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
Url: https://chesapeakesleepapnea.com/
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

If you’re not getting a good night’s sleep, other aspects of your life may take a turn for the worse. Sleep disorders can negatively impact your energy levels, concentration, focus, memory, processing skills, and even your emotional composure. Lack of sleep can damage a person’s physical and emotional well-being, eventually jeopardizing the stability of their personal and professional lives.

Sleep apnea is a unique sleep disorder. Not only does it affect the person who can’t sleep; it impacts the people sleeping nearby. If your partner has sleep apnea, you’ll have to endure their snoring all night long. In especially severe cases, you may be up every night of the week. If left unchecked, a scenario like this can begin to complicate the relationship itself.

Built-Up Frustration

Not only do people with sleep apnea snore, they also breathe heavily, gasp for air, and even wake up frequently throughout the night. These disturbances can fray the nerves of those within earshot. When your partner suffers from sleep apnea, you may feel frustrated that their condition is negatively affecting your sleep and your general well-being.

Lack of Intimate Relations

Unfortunately, sleep apnea does more than keep people from sleeping. Studies have found it strongly correlates to sexual and erectile dysfunction. One study found that out of 401 men with sleep apnea, nearly 70 percent also experienced erectile dysfunction. Another study, by the Journal of Sexual Medicine, found that middle-aged women with the condition reported much higher levels of sexual dysfunction. Diminished intimacy can, of course, put enormous strain on an otherwise satisfying relationship. That’s one strong reason to seek help.

Weakened Communication

If you aren’t getting enough sleep at night, you may find yourself fatigued, foggy, and unfocused during the day. This can leave you less than fully present with your significant other. People may experience more negative dialogue, impatience, and weaker lines of communication. Most people agree that the most important aspect of a successful relationship is healthy communication. If you and your partner are suffering both physically and mentally due to sleep apnea, the relationship will certainly struggle.

Our Glen Burnie dentist at Chesapeake Sleep Center can help you overcome sleep apnea and the symptoms that come with it. Don’t let your most important relationship struggle when solutions are out there. Find out what they are – contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
Url: https://chesapeakesleepapnea.com/
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, yet only about 20 percent of them seek treatment.

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, male patients make up about two-thirds of reported cases. Since men are more likely to be affected by a sleep disorder, it’s important for them to know the risks and symptoms.

Symptoms

• Frequent Tiredness – Everyone has days when they’re a little more tired than normal, but if every day starts with exhaustion, you should investigate whether you have a sleep disorder. If you’re waking up constantly throughout the night, you’ll struggle to get a good night’s rest.

• Noisy Snoring – Unlike regular snoring that affects people from time to time, snoring from sleep apnea is loud and constant. Your breathing becomes so irregular that you may wake yourself numerous times during the night.

• Waking up with Headaches – If you’re starting most of your mornings with intense head pain, you may not be getting a healthy night’s sleep. Sleep apnea can cause you to struggle with breathing during the night, meaning your brain may be starved of  oxygen. This ultimately causes headaches in the morning.

Other Risks

While some of the symptoms may seem more like minor inconveniences, sleep apnea can also have serious effects on your long-term health if left unchecked.Here are three:

1. Living your life with obstructive sleep apnea can lead to unhappiness and eventually depression.
2. An inconsistent supply of air may lead to a decreased testosterone level, low sperm count, and even erectile dysfunction.
3. Patients with sleep apnea may experience increased blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease, the number one cause of death for men in the United States.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea – snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, extreme daytime fatigue, and headaches – contact our office right away. Our sleep apnea dentist in Glen Burnie, Dr. Paul Miller, can get you the treatment you need and ensure that you have a plan to overcome this disorder.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
Url: https://chesapeakesleepapnea.com/
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

It’s estimated that close to 70 percent of adult patients suffering from sleep apnea are overweight or obese. Weight gain can cause sleep apnea by creating tension around the throat, but can sleep apnea itself cause weight gain? It is a topic that is hotly debated in the health community. Some world-class athletes suffer from the disorder, so it is clear that not every sufferer is overweight and out of shape; but there is growing evidence that sleep apnea contributes to the weight gain seen in many of its victims.

Sleep apnea interrupts sleep when a relaxation of the throat muscles causes repeated collapsing of the upper airways. Being overweight puts even more pressure on the airways. Common signs of sleep apnea are snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep, and severe tiredness during the day.

Countless studies have linked a lack of sleep to significant health problems. Specifically, less sleep tends to influence hormone levels. When hormone signals become disrupted, your body will begin to function improperly. Sleep apnea can also cause unhealthy changes in your perceived hunger and eventually change the way your body processes energy. As some of your hormones become off balance due to sleep apnea, you may feel hungry more often, despite consuming the same amount of food. As you might expect, this can lead to excess food consumption and eventually weight gain.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can also cause imbalance to insulin levels. This may increase your risk of insulin resistance and diabetes. As you can see, it’s not wise to leave sleep apnea unchecked.

On top of that, sleep apnea may make it harder to be active and energetic. Since you may be experiencing daytime fatigue and breathing problems, simple physical activities will be even more difficult to sustain.

Our sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Paul Miller, can help you explore the link between weight and sleep apnea. We can show you how to overcome this disorder and learn ways to achieve better sleep hygiene and lead a healthier life. Contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today to set up an appointment.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
Url: https://chesapeakesleepapnea.com/
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061