Dr. Meriwether is one of a select few in the Tuscaloosa area to be a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Clinical studies have shown a link between high blood pressure, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a common condition in which the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing a decreased airflow that stresses the heart and the body during the night. If untreated, this condition has been associated with development of various heart disorders including stroke, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. For those with Type 2 diabetes, if untreated this condition may complicate glucose control.
What are the benefits of treating OSA?
* Lower blood pressure
* Improve daytime energy and stamina
* Relieve excess stress on the heart and vascular system
* Reduce the potential risk for heart attack, stroke and heart disease
* Prevent or delay the progression of diabetes
* Reduce diabetic complications
* Improve daytime energy and glucose control
Snoring may be affecting your quality of life.
CPAP is a breathing machine which is the gold standard in treating sleep apnea. However, less than 50% of the population will wear their CPAP machine on a regular basis. Others who do use their CPAP are inconvenienced in taking the machine with them on a vacation or business trip.
Dental appliances are intended to reduce or alleviate nighttime snoring and obstructive sleep apnea for those patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea and those patients with severe sleep apnea who can’t or won’t wear their CPAP machine. They are much more comfortable than CPAP machines for most people.
As an alternative to throat surgery or CPAP, consider a TAP (Thornton
Adjustable Positioner) or a SomnoMed appliance. Somno Med.
For additional information and discussions about Sleep Apena please visit www.talkaboutsleep.com | www.IHateCPAP.com.
Additional information online: