Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which breathing is interrupted involuntarily during your sleep period. It can range from mild (occurring only a few times per hour) to severe (stoppage of breathing of 30 times or even more per hour each night)! These episodes of interrupted breathing cause decreased oxygen supply to the brain and other parts of the body, which can have serious, even life-threatening consequences. Stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks, sexual dysfunction, motor vehicle and industrial accidents are only a few of the conditions associated with OSA. Anyone can suffer from sleep apnea, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.
WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?
WHO IS AT RISK FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?
Anyone at any age can have obstructive sleep apnea, but it is more common in middle-aged and older adults. It is also more common in men than women. It is estimated that over 50 million adults in the United States suffer from OSA, and reportedly obstructive sleep apnea may affect over 5% of young adults under the age of 30 in our country. What is truly frightening is that as many as 90% of people who have obstructive sleep apnea don’t know they have it.
SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Heavy snoring
- Irritability
- Daytime fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Drowsiness
Other symptoms may include:
- Hyperactivity in children
- Worsening depression
- Poor job and/or school performance
- Loss of interest in sex
- Leg swelling
Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing complications.
Request an Appointment
Learn more about sleep apnea and possible treatments. Request an appointment today with Dr. Lieberman to find out about your condition and what solutions might be available.
TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
The most commonly prescribed treatment option for OSA is sleeping with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine and mask. CPAP delivers a steady stream of air into your lungs. Although it’s very effective, many patients complain that CPAP is loud, difficult to use and uncomfortable. Non-compliance (not using the device) may be as high as 70%.
An alternative to CPAP is a custom-made oral appliance, which has been shown to be very effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea, and perhaps as importantly, has a much higher acceptance and compliance rate with patients. Dr. Lieberman has advanced training and qualification from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and is fully staffed to work with you and your medical doctor to comfortably manage your condition.