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Losing ZZZ's? Check For Signs Of Sleep Apnea

CHICAGO (March 1, 2004)- Feeling tired and irritable aren't just signs it's Monday, they could be indicators of sleep apnea. According to the January 2004 issue of AGD Impact, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) monthly newsmagazine, sleep apnea affects more than 12 million Americans.

Sleep apnea refers to episodes in which a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. Each time, the sleeper briefly wakes up in order to resume breathing, resulting in fragmented, poor sleep.

The disease is more common in men, but there are some tell-tale signs and risk factors including loud snoring, physical abnormalities in the nose, throat or upper airway, obesity and high blood pressure. Those who smoke, drink alcohol or use sedatives or sleep medications are also at risk.

Many do not remember waking up at night, but they may suffer morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, heartburn, irritability and depression, and snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep. Symptoms may also appear in the mouth in the form of stickier plaque, gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and sore throat.

Sleep apnea doesn't just affect those who suffer from the disorder. Often, it can wreak havoc on marriages, families, and anyone who lives with those affected by sleep apnea, since they usually wake up when the sleeper does. "In some cases, divorce can even be a problem," says AGD spokesperson Eric Shapira, DDS, MAGD.
Treatment does exist, though it can vary from person to person. Simply elevating the head with an extra pillow may alleviate symptoms, but in other cases, laser surgery to widen the palate may be necessary. "I highly recommend participating in sleep studies, which are available at many universities," says Dr. Shapira. These studies help pinpoint which kind of apnea you suffer from and identify treatment. "Counseling for stress caused by this condition is also very helpful."

The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/consumer.

CONTACT: Susan Urbanczyk, public relations manager, at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org or Jennifer Starkey, public relations coordinator, at 312.440.4341 or media@agd.org.

NOTE: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.