Sleep Apnea is defined as the temporary stoppage of breathing during sleep, often resulting in daytime sleepiness. Apnea is a Greek word that means "want of breath."
The reason for this “want of breath” is a lack of oxygen coming into the lungs.
How do I know if I have Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is the most common sign of sleep apnea. Your bed partner will most likely let you know of this or you may even wake up gasping for air.
Other signs of sleep apnea occur when you’re awake. Common daytime symptoms include mouth breathing, lack of concentration, decreased performance at school or work, and daytime drowsiness.
What are the effects of Sleep Apnea on my health?
Recent study released by the AAP showed that lack of sleep ranked just under smoking as the #2 lifestyle factor impacting oral health.
Aside from the impact on your oral health, sleep apnea has tremendous effects on your overall health. Since not enough oxygen is getting into the lungs, respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease can result. These diseases can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
Other effects of sleep apnea can include impotence, menstrual irregularities, enuresis, depression and weight gain.
What are my treatment options for Sleep Apnea?
Severe sleep apnea is treated by a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This consists of an air compressor and mask which delivers pressurized air through the nose when a person is sleeping. The biggest hurdle for using this method is compliance. People feel claustrophobic and others find wearing the mask to be offensive. The strap of the mask worn around the head may even cause headaches.
Moderate sleep apnea can be treated using a much more comfortable alternative. A customized night guard called the SomnoDent is created for your specific bite and actually positions your jaw in such a way that it opens up your airway. This allows more oxygen to enter your body and prevents or minimizes symptoms of sleep apnea.
With the SomnoDent you’re not restricted to sleeping in only one position and you’re much more likely to use it, which is the main aspect of successful treatment.
How can I receive Sleep Apnea treatment?
The best thing to do is call a sleep apnea dentist and schedule a consultation. The dentist will do some diagnostic tests in the office and then most likely send you home with a sleep monitor the size of a small cell phone which is worn like a wrist watch. This high-tech device will give the dentist the necessary information to determine the level of sleep apnea you suffer from and be able to recommend the ideal treatment option for you.
Take the Test!
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is widely used in the field of sleep medicine as a subjective measure of a
patient's sleepiness. The test is a list of eight situations in which you rate your tendency to become
sleepy on a scale of 0, no chance of dozing, to 3, high chance of dozing. When you finish the test, add
up the values of your responses. Your total score is based on a scale of 0 to 24. The scale estimates
whether you are experiencing excessive sleepiness that possibly requires medical attention.
How Sleepy Are You?
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations? You should rate your chances
of dozing off, not just feeling tired. Even if you have not done some of these things recently try to
determine how they would have affected you. For each situation, decide whether or not you would
have:
No chance of dozing = 0
Slight chance of dozing = 1
Moderate chance of dozing = 2
High chance of dozing = 3
Write down the number corresponding to your choice in the right hand column. Total your score below (do not leave boxes blank):
Interpretation:
0-7
It is unlikely that you are abnormally sleepy.
8-9
You have an average amount of daytime sleepiness.
10-15
You may be excessively sleepy depending on the situation. You may want to consider seeking medical attention.
16-24
You are excessively sleepy and should consider seeking medical attention.
Severe sleep apnea is treated by a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This consists of an air compressor and mask which delivers pressurized air through the nose when a person is sleeping. The biggest hurdle for using this method is compliance. People feel claustrophobic and others find wearing the mask to be offensive. The strap of the mask worn around the head may even cause headaches. 
