Did you know that 95% of sleep disorders are unidentified and undiagnosed? Sleep is critical for our learning, memory, children’s development, and our physical and mental wellbeing. Many physiologic consequences can result when we don’t get enough sleep. Sleep debt can cause weight gain, impaired motor function, and reduced wound healing among many other things.
20 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is associated with a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, weight gain, depression, and fibromyalgia. You may have signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have OSA. Do you feel excessively tired during the day? Do you snore? Do you have morning headaches? Have you ever fallen asleep while driving? If you answered yes to any of these questions you may benefit from a sleep study to determine if you have OSA. Salem, Oregon Dentist Dr. Willis can help!
Traditionally OSA is treated with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device. Often the use of the CPAP is cumbersome and not well tolerated so other treatments are available if the CPAP doesn’t work for you. Some find that surgical intervention is the solution while others choose to use a mandibular advancement device (MAD), an oral appliance that holds the lower jaw forward and increases the airway space to prevent its collapse.
Treatment outcomes can result in significant health improvements. A better night sleep may result in weight loss, better blood pressure control, decreased risk in many other associated risk factors and ultimately a better quality of life. If you or anyone you love may suffer from a type of sleep disorder get an appointment today and Dr. Willis can provide you with a free sleep screening to see if you would benefit from a sleep study and possible treatment for OSA. You wear a simple pulse oximeter on your finger overnight. Salem, Oregon Dentist Dr. Willis will then evaluate the results of your test and let you know if you would benefit from a further study.’ Call today and feel young again!!!