Snoring/Sleep Apnea devices in  Cameron Park

Help with Snoring

Dr. Nisson is trained to help individuals who need help with snoring and sleep apnea. For these conditions, there are dental appliances which hold the lower jaw forward. This opens the airway making it easier to breathe. If you suffer from snoring, Dr. Nisson suggests that you first try an over the counter sleep aid. Many are available online and you can find these very inexpensively if you google “stop snoring”. These appliances work for some people, however, the disadavantage is that they are not custom made and they may fall out or be very uncomfortable to sleep with. At Nisson Orthodontics, we make custom-made anti-snoring appliances which range in cost from $400 to $1500. Snoring is often closely related to sleep apnea.

Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly, or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If so, you may be one of more than twelve million Americans affected by sleep apnea.  Maybe you’ve been prescribed a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) but can’t use it!

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 100 times per hour! (“Apnea” is the Greek word for “without breath.”) If you suffer from sleep apnea, each time your breathing stops, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Because the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don’t remember it – and many think they are getting a good night’s sleep. However, the constant wake-sleep-wake-sleep cycle interrupts the deep sleep that refreshes the body, and sufferers are frequently drowsy during the day.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, give us a call, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist.

  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping

  • Loud snoring at night

  • Waking up at night short of breath

  • Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)

  • Headaches upon waking in the morning

  • Falling asleep unintentionally during the day

  • Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

    Are there different types of sleep apnea?

    There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.

    What are risk factors for sleep apnea?

    Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40 and up) than younger adults and children. However, anyone – regardless of gender or age – can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, high blood pressure, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.

    Is sleep apnea dangerous?

    Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. Being tired because of sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medications and mask other medical conditions.

    How is sleep apnea treated?

    Sleep Apnea is treated in many different ways. The most common approaches are CPAP and lower jaw advancing appliances, similar to those described for snoring above. Dr. Nisson will screen you to see if you are at risk of sleep apnea. If you are at risk he will refer you to a physician for further analysis. The physician will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.