Recently autopsy results indicate that actress Carrie Fisher’s primary cause of death was sleep apnea. While her body did have signs of drug abuse, her weight and other factors seem to have contributed to a fatal sleep disorder.
No one will ever know if her death could have been avoided. But for Northern Kentuckians, the fate of Princess Leia does not have to be their own if they can identify the symptoms and embrace the new methods of treatment. It can open up a whole new world to snorers and their long-suffering partners.
A variety of solutions exist that fit the needs of sleep apnea sufferers. Once the right therapy is identified, the snoring that is most commonly associated with this condition can reunite couples from sleeping in separate bedrooms and the patient will experience a variety of physical and mental ailments start to disappear. If not treated, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can lead to greater problems, and, like Fisher, death.
Shelly Shearer
Do you wake up tired? It may be due to sleep apnea. In addition to snoring and fatigue, the leading sleep apnea symptoms are restless sleep, morning headaches, nighttime gasping, halting of breathing at night, insomnia, nightmares, irritability, memory loss, decreased attention and concentration, performance deficiencies, depression, shortness of breath, nocturnia, impotence and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
Approximately 50% of Americans snore or have significant sleep apnea problems. Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, disrupting rest and interfering with the flow of oxygen throughout the body. Obesity, enlarged tonsils, smoking, nasal polyps and nasal congestion are some of the physical attributes of OSA.
Our practice works closely with local pulmonologists who focus on sleep disorders as well as primary care/family practice physicians. They often order continuous positive airway pressure therapy commonly known CPAP. It involves a machine that increases air pressure in the throat, a hose and a mask or nose piece.
Unfortunately, many patients have adverse reactions to the device. It often makes them claustrophobic, feeling like their face is covered like a jet fighter pilot all night. Or the fit just doesn’t work. That’s when dentists specializing in sleep disorders are often called upon to work with the patient.
First, we examine the patient’s teeth, jaw, tongue and airway. The patient uses a home sleeping device that records data and helps determine treatment. Once we have all the information, an impression of the teeth is made for a special lightweight oral appliance. It fits like a sports mouth guard or an orthodontic retainer, assuring airflow. We adjust the custom mold to fit the mouth just right. The device prevents tooth movement, supports the jaw, assures air flow and is convenient for travel. These oral appliances are common, cost-effective solutions and often covered by medical plans.
The best part is that the process is life-changing. Nearly 90% of our sleep disorders patients tell us that they now have a good night’s sleep, no more snoring, renewed energy during the day and two people once again sharing the same bedroom.
For us, that’s success on several fronts.
Shelley Shearer, D.M.D. is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence.
Where do you get this device?