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Sleep Apnea

Do You Snore?

You Might Be Risking More Than A Good Night's Sleep.

Do you snore? Does your snoring wake you up several times a night? If the answer is yes, you might be risking more than a good night's sleep. You could be risking your health as well.

Snoring and frequent waking are signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a condition caused by obstruction near the base of the tongue.

The real problem associated with sleep apnea isn't snoring - it's when snoring stops. When the snoring stops, so does your breathing. Sleep apnea can cause a person to stop breathing for periods of time, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. This cessation of breathing can cause a variety of problems, from headaches to chronic fatigue.

But there are also more serious problems associated with this disorder. Sleep apnea patients are much more likely to suffer from:

  • Heart problems (heart attack, congestive heart failure, hypertension)
  • Strokes
  • A higher incidence of work related and driving related accidents
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Generalized inflammation
  • Bruxing (teeth grinding)

Left untreated, Obstructive Sleep Apnea can shorten the average life span by 10 years. If you suspect you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, see your family doctor immediately for diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with OSA, the most prescribed treatment is a CPAP (continuing positive airway pressure) machine. The CPAP resembles a gas mask; it's worn over the face or nose, and is so uncomfortable, most patients quit using it.

Don't risk your health. See Dr. Lucas Setiady. Dr. Setiady offers an alternative treatment for OSA: the SomnoDent® MAS.

The SomnoDent MAS is an oral appliance that fits over the upper and lower teeth like a sports mouth guard and gently and safely holds the mouth and throat in an open position during relaxed sleep, preventing snoring. It's small, custom-made for a perfect fit and best of all, it works.

If you have been diagnosed by your doctor with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and want an alternative to CPAP, call Dr. Setiady today.

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