Tag: Glen Burnie MD Dentist

Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea | Can Sleep Apnea Increase Your Risk of Cancer?

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Several sleep studies have identified a connection between sleep apnea and cancer.  While more in depth research is needed, the research suggests there may be a link between consistently low oxygen levels associated with apnea-induced breathing obstruction and the formation of malignant tumors. While research is ongoing, this concern highlights one of the many reasons obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that should not be taken lightly.

 What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, up to 22 million Americans have sleep apnea, although many people go years without a diagnosis. This condition is especially problematic since it is linked to a number of serious illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.

 Sleep apnea symptoms

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are restless sleep and loud snoring. Additional symptoms include:

·         Morning headaches

·         Daytime fatigue

·         Lack of energy

·         Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

·         Irritability and mood swings

·         Insomnia

 Understanding the cancer connection

A 2013 study reported that people with severe sleep apnea had a 65% increased risk for cancer.  Another study reported in the Journal of Sleep Medicine also showed moderate and severe cases of sleep apnea are associated with increased cancer risk. The 20-year study showed that people with moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea are two and a half times more likely to develop cancer and three times more likely to die from cancer. Research also links specific cancers to sleep apnea, including

·         Head and neck cancers

·         Aggressive melanomas

·         Breast cancer 

Poor quality sleep due to mild or more severe sleep apnea can have many negative effects on your quality of life and your overall health. Due to sleep apnea’s link to serious diseases such as cancer, it’s important to take sleep apnea symptoms seriously.  If you or someone you love struggles with symptoms such as loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and interrupted breathing during sleep, it may be time to consider a consultation with a sleep specialist. Chesapeake Sleep Center today to learn more.

 

Chesapeake Sleep Center 
Phone: (410) 729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Rd., Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea | Can My Sleep Apnea Get Worse?

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Living with sleep apnea can be a nightly struggle for you and your sleep partner. In addition to feeling tired throughout the next day, your lack of quality sleep can contribute to health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. 

While some people address their sleep apnea right away, others simply “deal with it” and struggle to cope with the effects. Fortunately, treatment for sleep apnea has never been more convenient or accessible. Today there are a variety of different options available that allow you to take control of your sleep and your health. 

If you’re still contemplating whether or not to seek treatment, it’s important to understand that when ignored, your sleep apnea symptoms may become worse. There are also multiple factors that can contribute to your symptoms becoming more severe:

Recent Illness

Illness can play a significant role in your quality of sleep. Symptoms such as a stuffy nose can contribute to airway blockage, complicating existing cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Swollen tonsils can also restrict your oxygen intake. Because your immune system is working harder than normal to recover, the lack of restful sleep can strain your body further, making it more difficult to bounce back from your illness. There is a proven connection between diabetes, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea so don’t let prolonged symptoms go untreated.

Seasonal Weather Changes

The weather and seasonal allergies may also play a role in the severity of your sleep apnea. For instance, a lack of humidity in the air during winter can cause some people to struggle more with breathing and sleeping comfortably. A simple solution may be to put a humidifier in your bedroom or to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when you’re out in a cold climate. 

Changes in Body Weight

Weight gain is a major contributing factor for many who suffer from sleep apnea. When we gain weight, the tissue around our airway increases, making snoring or disruptions in breathing worse.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), over 50% of people with sleep apnea are overweight. New studies even suggest that sleep apnea can lead to weight gain. Finding the right balance of a proper diet and exercise routine can help improve your sleep.

If you or your partner are finding it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today to schedule a consultation and exam. 

 

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: (410) 760-4445
7711 Quarterfield Rd., Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | You Deserve a Good Night’s Sleep

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Everyone needs 7-8 hours of rest at the end of the day, but people with sleep apnea often struggle to get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs as repetitive episodes of complete or partial upper airway blockage during sleep. Episodes, or pauses in breathing, may happen anywhere from 5-100 times per hour, depending on the individual. More than 30-40 breathing interruptions as you sleep is considered severe and is cause for concern. 

It’s estimated that as many as 50 million Americans have some form of sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleeping disorders can contribute to other dangerous health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke. If you think you may have sleep apnea, we can help.

Customized Sleep Solutions

Like any medical disorder, treatment for sleep apnea is based on the underlying factors and severity of the condition. Depending on whether your case is mild or severe, treatment recommendations will vary. In mild cases, the best treatment may be a special mouthpiece or oral appliance to naturally maintain an open airway. In more severe cases, continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP therapy may be indicated. CPAP devices deliver forced air through a tube and a mask or nosepiece to deliver steady oxygen flow while you sleep. 

Lifestyle Changes Can Help with Sleep Apnea

Being overweight can cause an accumulation of fatty tissue around the neck, potentially obstructing your breathing and contributing to sleep apnea. For this reason, your doctor might recommend a combination of dietary changes and exercise to help you lose weight. This alone can significantly improve and often completely eliminate sleep disorders. In some cases, surgery may be required. 

If you’re experiencing snoring or other signs of obstructive sleep apnea, we can complete a brief screening in our office to determine whether treatment is necessary. Contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today to take control of your health and start sleeping better at night. We’re happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: (410) 760-4445
7711 Quarterfield Rd., Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

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Sleep apnea is a type of breathing disorder that’s characterized by a recurring pattern of fatigue, snoring, and disrupted breathing while you’re sleeping. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment Glen Burnie MDSleep Apnea Treatment Glen Burnie MD

While there are several types of sleep apnea, one of the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This type of sleep disordered breathing occurs when your throat muscles and soft tissues at the back of your mouth intermittently relax, seal against one another, and block your airway while you’re sleeping. Some of the most common symptoms of OSA are snoring and teeth grinding. Additionally, individuals with undiagnosed OSA may experience:

  • Shortness of breath 
  • Sudden waking
  • Dry mouth or a sore throat in the morning
  • Insomnia and difficulty staying asleep
  • Waking up with headaches 
  • Feeling fatigued

Identifying Risk Factors

OSA is a common condition in the United States, as it’s estimated that 26 percent of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 years have some form of sleep apnea.1 In terms of risk factors, some are genetic/hereditary, while others are the result of age and lifestyle choices. Each of the following conditions can increase your risk of developing OSA:

  • Obesity 
  • Family history of OSA 
  • A small or narrow jaw
  • Enlarged tonsils
  • Hypothyroidism 
  • Large neck circumference
  • Alcohol consumption at bedtime

Understanding Your Treatment Options 

If you suspect you have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, the first thing you will want to do is schedule an evaluation for testing and diagnosis. Today, sleep studies can be completed in the convenience of your own home. Depending on your specific diagnosis, your treatment may involve a CPAP machine (a device that’s worn at night to force oxygen intake  using positive airway pressure.) Alternatively, your sleep specialist might prescribe an oral sleep appliance. Sleep mouthguards are designed to keep your lower jaw in a position that naturally opens your airway. Oral appliances are less cumbersome and more discreet than wearing a CPAP.

Don’t Put Your Treatment Off Another Day

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic health condition that impacts everything from your job performance and blood pressure to your attitude and energy level. Left untreated, sleeping disorders can put you at risk for a number of associated health complications, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. There’s also the danger of falling asleep while you’re driving or at work. 

If you or someone you love has symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea, contact our office today to schedule an evaluation. It could save their life!

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | How To End a Sleep Divorce

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Every night, a significant percentage of couples across the country struggle with their partner’s disruptive snoring habit. If you or your partner are losing sleep because of consistent snoring, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. This sleep-disordered breathing condition leaves some couples with no choice but to turn to a “sleep divorce” in an effort to salvage a level of nightly rest. 

Sleep Dentist Near Me

A sleep divorce occurs when couples can no longer share the same bed or bedroom because of disruptive sleeping habits. Having a separate space to sleep may result in a better night’s rest, but it doesn’t address the disruption itself.

As sleep medicine technology becomes more advanced, there are more effective options available to address issues related to snoring and sleep apnea. These interceptive solutions help both partners achieve the quality sleep they need and deserve. Getting help from a sleep dentistry provider can help you end your sleep divorce with something as simple as a custom dental sleep apnea appliance. 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where a person may experience interrupted breathing or may stop breathing altogether.  While frequent snoring is one of the most recognizable symptoms, other warning signs include fatigue, depression, enlarged tonsils, a large neck circumference, worn/flat teeth, and weight gain. 

Sleep apnea can be more dangerous than it may seem. It is directly linked to an increased risk of serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and fatigue throughout the day. if you or your partner are struggling to get quality, restful sleep because of existing sleep apnea, it’s best to treat the issue from a functional and overall health approach. 

What Are the Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea?

All sleep apnea therapies start with an initial consultation with a health professional (such as a dentist or sleep physician) to assess specific warning signs and symptoms. While more severe cases of sleep apnea are treated with surgery or a CPAP machine, more common treatment includes custom-fitted oral sleep appliances. Dental sleep appliances position your jaw in a slightly forward manner, reducing soft tissue blockage at the back of your throat. This naturally increases airflow during sleep, reducing or eliminating snoring.

If you or your partner are living through or considering a sleep divorce due to snoring, it is best to treat the problem at the source. Contact our office today to schedule your sleep apnea screening and consultation and get back to restful sleep again.

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | Alternatives To CPAP

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Sleep apnea can make gaining the benefits of a good night’s rest into a daily struggle. The struggles of sleep apnea can also affect your family or partner who may struggle to find rest due to your snoring. Sleep apnea is a disorder that 50-70 million people in the US deal with every day. While snoring can be a nuisance while trying to sleep, sleep apnea can have larger health implications in life, so treatment can be very important.  A common treatment for more severe cases of sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy includes a machine connected to a breathing mask to provide proper airflow during sleep. CPAP therapy can have some users feeling uncomfortable or claustrophobic while wearing the mask, amongst other problems. Learn about some alternatives to CPAP and how they can benefit you.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are a common sleep apnea treatment option for milder cases that require less care and effort in comparison to the CPAP. Appliances such as mouthguards help hold the tongue in place or ease the jaw forward, helping to keep the airway free and open during sleep. These appliances are smaller and require less routine care to use.

Oral Surgery

Some people can have sleep apnea due to more genetic conditions. Some individuals are born with big tonsils or extra tissue in their throat and may have trouble breathing while they sleep. Some other issues may involve the tongue, jaw or soft palate. Oral surgery can give a patient the permanent changes to their anatomy to allow them to naturally breathe easier during sleep.

Positional Therapy

Positioning during sleep can potentially contribute to sleep apnea by making breathing more difficult. Sleeping on your stomach or your side could make you less likely to experience sleep apnea. Some sleep apnea devices attached to your waist or back can help keep you from lying on your back and reduce your symptoms of sleep apnea.

Other options for mild and severe cases of sleep apnea treatment on a more personal level exist, such as changes in lifestyle. Weight loss can reduce or remove symptoms of sleep apnea if handled properly. CPAP therapy may not be for everyone dealing with sleep apnea, but other options do exist. If you have any questions about sleep apnea or want to schedule a consultation, contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today.

Chesapeake Sleep Center

Phone: (410) 729-6794 Email: prmdds@aol.com

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | Improve Your Sleep to Improve Your Life

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Most people can agree that lack of quality sleep can lead to a less fulfilling life. You may have trouble falling asleep or you may struggle with being woken up several times during the night. You may have learned coping mechanisms such as a daily cup of coffee to get you up and running. Occasional lack of sleep is common and our bodies can often compensate with little or no noticeable setbacks. However, when your body continually loses sleep over an extended period of time, you can suffer more severe repercussions.

A consistent lack of quality sleep, or reduced amount of nightly sleep, is known as sleep

deprivation. This is typically characterized by daytime sleepiness-such as yawning,

clumsiness, fatigue and moodiness or irritability. Surprisingly, caffeine consumption in

the form of coffee, sodas or teas may do more harm than good. This stimulant can in fact, make it more difficult to fall asleep at night. The next morning is usually followed by

increased caffeine intake to combat the persistent issue.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults average 7 hours of sleep each

night. Much like food, water and air, sleep is essential for our bodies. We need it to

repair and regenerate our basic bodily functions. Compromising this crucial process can

have unintended consequences that impact your mood, memory and health.

Cognitive Issues

Our ability to process space and coordinate our body is dependent upon sleep.

Sleep deprivation not only gives way to clumsiness, but also puts us at greater risk

for depression, anxiety, irritability, forgetfulness and fuzzy thinking. Many motor

vehicle accidents can often be attributed to a lack of sleep by the operator. New

studies have now also linked sleep disorders with dementia.

Diabetes

Proper sleep is essential for maintaining proper insulin sensitivity and blood sugar

control. With a lack of sleep, our body produces less insulin after we eat. In fact,

more cortisol is produced which makes it more difficult for insulin to do its job. As a

result, too much glucose remains in our bloodstreams making us more prone to

developing Type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Issues

When we sleep, our blood pressure decreases. Not being able to sleep means that

our blood pressure stays higher longer. In essence, high blood pressure leads to a

greater risk of heart disease and stroke.

Weight Gain/Loss

Hormones that regulate appetite and glucose metabolism could be disrupted

because of sleep deprivation. Leptin, which serves as an appetite suppressant, is

decreased. People also become more prone to eating starchy foods. Research has

shown that adults have a 50% higher risk of developing obesity.

Growth (Hormones)

The human growth hormone (HGH) is a complex protein secreted from the pituitary

gland and is responsible for growth, energy and mood. Sleep and exercise help

promote surges in this hormone that ultimately promotes a healthy metabolism,

enhances your body’s physical performance. Low levels of HGH will cause

depression and lack of energy.

Immune System Weakens

A consistent lack of sleep weakens your body’s ability to build up its immune system.

Not only do you become more susceptible to fighting off illnesses, but the recovery

period becomes longer as well. A 2010 study revealed that people who sleep less

than six hours every night are more than 30% more likely to develop colorectal

cancer.

If you are experiencing trouble sleeping or other sleep issues related to sleep apnea, contact our Sleep Apnea dentist today for a consultation. Chesapeake Sleep Center offers custom oral appliance therapy. It can often drastically improve your quality of sleep and quality of life.

Chesapeake Sleep Center

Phone: (410) 729-6794 Email: prmdds@aol.com

Sleep Dentist Near Me | Can Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Relationship?

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When you can’t get soothing, natural, uninterrupted sleep, it can affect all aspects of your life. Sleep disorders and a lack of restful sleep can negatively impact your energy levels, concentration, focus, memory, processing skills, even your emotional composure. In short, a lack of sleep can wreak havoc on a person’s physical and emotional well-being, jeopardizing the stability of their personal and professional lives.

Sleep apnea, a condition in which the throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airways and causing a person to intermittently stop breathing, is a unique case of unrestful sleep. This is because it doesn’t just affect the sufferer—who often feels tired even after a full night’s sleep—but also his or her partner. The partner of someone with sleep apnea must endure the loud rumbling rhythms of snoring all night long, in some cases every night of the week. The condition can also influence the relationship itself in a host of complicated ways.

Repressed or Pent-Up Frustration

People with sleep apnea don’t just snore. They breathe heavily, loudly gasp for air, and often wake up throughout the night. Having to endure this auditory roller coaster every single evening is enough to get on anyone’s nerves. Partners of individuals suffering from sleep apnea may feel frustrated that their significant other’s condition is negatively affecting their own sleep and general well-being.

Intimacy

Sleep apnea robs sufferers and their partners of more than just sleep, though. Recent research has shown that it is strongly correlated with sexual and erectile dysfunction. A 2009 study found that of the 401 men it surveyed that had sleep apnea, fully 70 percent also experienced erectile dysfunction. Another paper, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, looked at the sexual functioning of middle-aged women who had sleep apnea and those who didn’t. The researchers found that women with the condition reported much higher levels of sexual dysfunction. That kind of damaged or diminished intimacy can, in turn, put profound strains on the rest of the relationship.

Daily Communications

People who don’t get restful sleep because of sleep apnea are often fatigued, foggy, and unfocused during the day. This can leave them less than fully present with their significant others, negatively impacting dialogue and lines of communication. If there’s one feature of relationships that almost everyone agrees is absolutely vital to enduring over the long haul, it’s consistent communication. A person whose mind and body is riddled by sleep apnea’s toxic effects will struggle to consistently achieve that.

Our office can help you overcome sleep apnea and all of its negative effects. Schedule an appointment today to get started.

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | What Men Should Know About Sleep Apnea

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Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | What Men Should Know About Sleep Apnea

It is estimated that nearly 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Of those millions, only about 20% of them seek out treatment.

While sleep apnea can affect anyone, male patients make up ⅔ of reported cases. With the danger high for men, it’s important to know the risks and why you should get help from our expert team.

Symptoms

  • General Fatigue – Everyone has sleepy days. But constant, overwhelming fatigue is a common symptom of sleep apnea in men. Irregular breathing patterns during the night can leave you feeling exhausted during the day.
  • Loud Snoring – Sleep apnea related snoring is loud, persistent and irregular. You may snore so loudly that you wake yourself up, if your sleeping partner doesn’t wake you first. Silent moments aren’t necessarily any better, as they mean you’re not breathing at all.
  • Morning Headaches – If you find yourself experiencing intense headaches in the morning that fade away as they day goes on, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. As you struggle to breathe during the night, your brain can become starved for oxygen, resulting in a headache. As you resume your normal breathing patterns during the day, your oxygen levels increase and the pain goes away.

Risky Business

Now that we all know some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it may seem like a minor inconvenience at most. Here are a few more heavy hitting ways that sleep apnea can impact your health.

  1. Hypoxia at night is known to cause a decreased testosterone level, low sperm count, and erectile dysfunction.
  2. Sleep apnea can increase blood pressure and your risk of heart disease, the number one cause of death for men in the United States.
  3.  More than 40 percent of people with obstructive OSA had some depressive symptoms.

None of these dangerous effects should be slept on. Men of every age, regardless of their health can experience the symptoms of sleep apnea and should consult with their medical professional if they think something may be wrong. Contact our office to schedule your next appointment.

Sleep Apnea in Glen Burnie MD | Sleep Apnea and Mental Health

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Sleep Apnea Near Me

Glen Burnie Sleep ApneaWhen you think of mental health, sleeping problems might not be the first thing to come to mind. However, recent studies have shown a surprising relationship between sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia and mental health. Learn more about the effects in our article.

What is Mental Health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes mental health as a state of well-being that allows an individual to fully realize their potential, cope with typical stresses, and contribute to society. Mental health is often compromised through disorders such as depression, substance addictions, or PTSD – but did you know that research has shown that sleeping problems can also play a role?

Poor Sleep

Inadequate or poor sleep has been shown to have a correlation with a higher risk for mental health issues, according to recent studies. For example, people suffering from insomnia are almost ten times more likely than normal sleepers to suffer from clinical depression. While the exact reasons for this relationship are still a mystery, researchers have discovered that poor sleep can alter the neurotransmitters or stress hormones that regulate emotion – and mental health.

Mental Health and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious medical disorder where nightly breathing is stopped for several seconds at a time. Because of its detrimental effects on the quality of your sleep, it can also pose problems for mental health. Obstructive sleep apnea has been shown to lead to symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, and depression. It can also exacerbate existing psychiatric disturbances such as anxiety or panic disorder.

While sleep apnea can play a role in weakening mental health, it is also treatable. By tackling sleep apnea with proper treatment, you can limit its effects. As an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Paul Miller has the experience to bring you relief and a good night’s sleep if you suffer from sleep apnea. Contact our team to schedule a consultation today.

Phone: (410) 760-4445