Trouble during overnight rest is a common struggle for many Americans. One common sleep disorder occurs when the structures of the throat fully relax when we are deeply unconscious. In these times, your own body obstructs your airway and prevents you from breathing naturally. This condition is referred to as chronic obstructive sleep apnea and it can really cause some discomfort for those around you.
While you may think that you simply have trouble snoring, this disorder can lead to serious lasting health troubles. Some of these are even life-threatening! Apnea patients experience more instances of high blood pressure and in turn, see an increase in the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. There is a convenient non-surgical approach available from Dr. James Stewart, DDS, at Dental Sleep Medicine in Livonia, MI. A simple night guard is effective for some patients to reopen their airway by slightly repositioning the jaw forward. For others, a more suitable solution comes in the form of a sleep appliance that can help you to ensure constant oxygen overnight. Relieve yourself of this long-term risk and experience a full night of rest for the first time in a long time! (more…)