What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder. When a person with this condition is sleeping, their breathing is interrupted. Sometimes this pause in breathing lasts only a second or two. But for some people, it can last as long as several minutes. It can also occur numerous times throughout the night. For many individuals, once they start breathing again, they do so with a snort or loud snore that alerts others to the issue. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It occurs when the throat’s muscles relax and block airflow. This makes it difficult, if not impossible for the person to breathe.

What Are the Signs I Have Sleep Apnea when I Live Alone?

If you live by yourself, you may not be aware that you have sleep apnea, unless of course, you wake yourself up snoring. There are plenty of other signs for you to watch out for that can alert you to the issue. If you have asked, “how can I know I have sleep apnea when I live alone?” Here are a few of the signs you may be suffering from sleep apnea,

Waking up with a dry mouth.

When a person has sleep apnea, they tend to sleep with their mouths wide open as they attempt to get more air. This can lead to an extremely dry mouth when waking up. Sometimes, people with sleep apnea find themselves getting up several times throughout the nighttime hours to get a drink of water.

Frequent Headaches

Do you often wake up with a headache? It can be a sign that you are not getting enough sleep, or that your sleep is disrupted. When sleep apnea disrupts your sleep night after night, your body lacks rejuvenating deep sleep. This can lead to frequent headaches.

Painful Jaw or Teeth

If you grind your teeth in your sleep, you may wake up with pain in your teeth or jaw. It may just be the result of extreme stress. But it can also be a sign that your jaw muscles are strained at night as you struggle to breathe.

Wake up Gasping

One of the most alarming symptoms of sleep apnea is waking up gasping for air or feeling like you are choking. You don’t need a partner to inform you of this sign! When you don’t get enough oxygen your body will start to gasp trying to get more air in to survive. This can have long-lasting effects and increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Extreme Daytime Sleepiness

Anyone can become a bit fatigued during the daytime hours. But people who have sleep apnea experience it on a much higher level. Do you frequently fall asleep while working at your desk? Maybe you find yourself dozing off while watching TV or more dangerous when driving. If you think you are getting the recommended amount of sleep each night, but still feel overly tired or sleepy during the day, you may have sleep apnea.

How can I know if I Have Sleep Apnea When I Live Alone? Contact Us!

If you have these signs of sleep apnea, you will want to speak with your physician about getting a sleep study. Once your doctor has diagnosed you with sleep apnea, please contact us for a consultation to determine if an oral sleep appliance would be a good fit for you as a treatment for sleep apnea. Dr. Bogrow is a leading sleep apnea dentist and suffered from sleep apnea himself. He understands how difficult it can be to not get enough sleep and has years of experience fitting custom dental appliances that work effectively for his patients. Fill out an appointment request today!

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What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common classification of sleep apnea. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you repeatedly stop and start breathing while you are asleep. Apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat relax and block your airway. You may find that you wake up during the night feeling like you are gasping for air. Snoring is another common symptom of OSA.

What Treatment Options are Available?

For many years a CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device was the only treatment option available. It is worn while sleeping and forces air into the airways to keep them open. The CPAP is effective, but many patients do not wear the device because it makes them uncomfortable. The CPAP also requires daily cleaning which can be a hassle to fit into a busy schedule. Today, a mandibular advancement splint, also called an oral appliance, is an available alternative to CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

This oral appliance is designed to improve the airflow in the upper airway and prevent its collapse by changing the position of the jaw and tongue. The mandibular splint can enlarge the upper airway space while fitting comfortably in the mouth. The mouthpiece is worn only while sleeping and helps you get a better night’s sleep.

Is the alternative to CPAP for OSA as Effective?

The CPAP is effective, but many people cannot adjust to its noisiness or the way it feels. While the CPAP is effective, it’s not always the best treatment option and it’s certainly not the only option. Oral appliance therapy by a trained, certified dentist like Dr. Bogrow has shown great effectiveness. Studies at the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health have shown oral appliances to be as effective as the CPAP for reducing the symptoms of OSA. Also, patients in the studies were more likely to wear the oral appliance than they were to use the CPAP device.

Studies demonstrate that oral appliances effectively reduce snoring and obstructive breathing events. Because of their effectiveness, common health concerns that stem from snoring, lack of oxygen during sleep or interrupted sleep are reduced. Oral appliances help patients get a better night’s sleep, so they do not experience daytime grogginess. Additionally, the risk of developing serious health conditions caused by lack of sleep is greatly reduced. Other benefits of using an oral appliance to treat OSA include:

·  Fewer morning headaches

·  Lower blood pressure readings

·  Improved mood (less depression, irritability, and fewer mood swings)

·   Increased libido

Schedule your Appointment with Dr. Bogrow Today!

If you suffer from sleep apnea and would like to discuss an oral appliance as an alternative to CPAP for OSA, call our offices to schedule an appointment. At Michigan Sleep Apnea Center, we want to help you get a good night’s sleep! Dr. Bogrow is happy to answer any questions you may have about the use of oral appliances as an alternative to CPAP. He will work with you to find the best treatment option for you.

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If you believe you might have sleep apnea, the best thing you can do is visit a Michigan sleep apnea center, like Bogrow and Associates. Dr. Bogrow is deeply familiar with not only the signs of sleep apnea, but its causes and the proper way to remediate them. The first step toward getting a good night’s sleep and waking up rested is to address sleep apnea at its roots. Here’s what you need to know. 

Start with a sleep assessment

First off, make sure sleep apnea is what’s ailing you. You will need to contact your physician, who can refer you for a Sleep Study. Not all patients who exhibit signs of sleep apnea actually have the disorder. Completing a Sleep Study will the physician the information she or he needs to give an accurate read on your symptoms and to suggest further action if you do, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea.

You can also complete a brief sleep assessment questionnaire on our website by clicking here. It will not be a substitute for you’re the Sleep Study, but it will provide some information that we can discuss. The assessment is easy to fill out and take only a few minutes of your time. The assessment will ask you simple questions about your medical history, such as whether or not you’ve experienced congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms or a stroke. Additional questions ask about your symptoms and genetic factors that might predispose you for sleep apnea.

Consult with a sleep apnea specialist

After completing a sleep assessment, discuss the results with your local sleep apnea specialist. Not only will they discuss your options for non-surgical treatment, a specialist will determine which treatment option is the safest and most effective for you. Consulting with a professional also ensures that you’re not left wondering about the efficacy of a particular treatment; professionals will only recommend FDA-approved treatments. 

Explore non-surgical options

Surgery isn’t always the solution. Sleep apnea is easy to treat without surgery, and you have many different treatment options to choose from. The following minimally invasive therapies are clinically proven to reduce or fully eliminate instances of sleep apnea:

• CPAP machine. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. These machines are the most common treatment option for moderate to severe sleep apnea. A mask fits snugly over the patient’s nose, and a flexible tube delivers continuous or intermittent pressurized air into the throat. The apparatus is worn at night to prevent upper airways from collapsing.
• Oral appliances. As the name suggests, people with sleep apnea wear oral appliances in their mouths when they go to bed. The equipment pushes the lower jaw slightly forward in order to prevent the tongue from obstructing airflow. People with mild to moderate sleep apnea prefer oral appliances because they’re comfortable, portable and easy to use. Remember that oral appliances aren’t one size fits all—you’ll need to visit your dentist and get fitted for a custom piece.
• Lifestyle change. Preliminary research has shown that patients who abstain from alcohol consumption right before bed report fewer instances of sleep apnea. Although more studies are needed, anecdotal evidence has also found that weight loss significantly reduces sleep apnea symptoms in patients who are overweight or obese. For that reason, some doctors might prescribe weight loss medication or a special diet as part of the patient’s sleep apnea treatment.
• Positional therapy. In mild cases of sleep apnea, training the patient to sleep on their side can open the upper airways and give them a better night’s rest. This might take some getting used to, especially if you prefer lying on your back. A doctor can recommend products that train you to sleep on one side or the other.

Tired of waking up tired?

Getting a poor night’s sleep due to sleep apnea isn’t just frustrating, it’s detrimental to your health. Lack of restful sleep is linked to everything from cardiovascular disease to depression and a multitude more conditions. If you’re tired of waking up tired, it’s time to visit a Michigan sleep apnea center to get an assessment and explore non-surgical solutions. Whether it’s a combination of weight loss and positional sleeping changes or an oral appliance worn while you sleep, better nights are ahead.

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Why do we snore? How is it connected to sleep apnea?

While you are sleeping, the area behind your tongue becomes narrower. The tissue relaxes and becomes floppier. As you inhale and exhale air is forced through the area and the loose tissue flutters. It might sound like a flag being whipped around by the wind. Snoring occurs when the airflow causes this tissue to vibrate. Obstructive sleep apnea is the result when these relaxed muscles relax enough to close the airway. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can cause disruptive sleep patterns and low oxygen while you are sleeping.

How do mouth exercises help you stop snoring?

Since snoring and sleep apnea are caused by loose and floppy airway muscles and poor tongue positioning, exercises are beneficial. Throat and mouth exercises help tone up the tongue and airway muscles and help promote breathing through the nose. You can compare it to going to the gym regularly. Just like lifting weights helps tone your arms, regular mouth and throat exercises help strengthen muscles related to breathing. When the muscles are toned, you should experience less snoring and fewer sleep apnea episodes.

How often should I do the mouth exercises?

When you visit Dr. Bogrow at Michigan Sleep Apnea Center, ask him about the types of mouth exercises that would be beneficial to you. You may also ask him how often they need to be done. For most people, Dr. Bogrow will recommend doing them for at least 10 minutes every day for three months. It can take some time to firm up the muscles and see tangible results. Just like other types of exercises, it can take some time. It’s not likely that you’ll see immediate results.

5 super Simple Exercises to Help You Stop Snoring and Get Better Sleep

· Exercise 1 – put the tip of your tongue right behind your top front teeth. Slide it backward and then back to your teeth. Do this for three minutes.

·  Exercise 2 – Use your tongue to make a loud clicking sound by pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Continue clicking your tongue for 15 seconds. Repeat this 10 times.

·  Exercise 3 – Hold your mouth open and contract the muscles at the back of your throat. Do this for 30 seconds. You can look in a mirror while doing this exercise to see the uvula moving up and down.

·  Exercise 4 – Try singing. Seriously! Singing increases muscle control in the soft palate and the throat. This can help reduce snoring when it’s caused by lax muscles.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Bogrow

These simple mouth exercises to stop snoring are just one option for reducing snoring. Chances are, if you snore a lot, you may actually have sleep apnea, which can be a life-threatening condition as it contributes to other health problems such as stroke.  At Michigan Sleep Apnea Center we offer a custom-fitted dental appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea. If you can’t tolerate CPAP or are looking for an alternative solution to CPAP,  contact us today to schedule your visit! Let us help you (and the rest of your household) get a better night’s sleep!

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How does a sleep apnea mouthpiece work?

An oral appliance helps keep your airway open while you sleep. This allows you to breathe without interruptions. Each mouthpiece is custom-fitted by Dr. Bogrow to ensure effectiveness and a comfortable fit. Oral devices are often the best alternative to a CPAP machine, which can be uncomfortable for the user. A dental mouthpiece is also a great backup for travel. For some patients, they are used alternately with a CPAP device, since a CPAP is not very convenient and is not especially portable. For many people, a sleep apnea mouthpiece is the better option. So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros of Using A Dental Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece

Cost-Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment

When you compare the price of a CPAP machine to a custom-fitted oral appliance, you’ll find the sleep apnea mouthpiece is far less expensive than the CPAP. However, the good news is that the oral appliance is a medical device prescribed as a treatment for a medical problem, so it is covered by medical insurance. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can when left untreated, contribute to other dangerous health issues such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and diabetes, so it is best to get it treated as soon as possible.

Less Equipment to Deal With

A CPAP machine includes a hose, a power cord, filters, an air delivery system, and a mask. These all have to be cleaned and maintained. Even though they can be kept in a box for travel, it can be burdensome. An oral appliance is just one piece and it’s made from lightweight material. There’s no setup as it is just placed in your mouth.

Portability

For those who travel frequently, it can be inconvenient to carry a CPAP machine with them. If you love the great outdoors and camping outside it can be challenging to find a power source to run the machine. A sleep apnea mouthpiece, on the other hand, is small and easy to carry in its compact case. It doesn’t require a power source so you can use it no matter where you are.

Cons of Using A Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece

Slightly Uncomfortable

It depends on which oral appliance Dr. Bogrow prescribes and how it’s fitted, but you can expect an adjustment period. Dr. Bogrow will schedule follow-ups with you to ensure the oral appliance he has prescribed is fitting properly and is addressing your symptoms without side effects. For most patients, this is a fair tradeoff since the CPAP mask can be uncomfortable too. You can expect to experience some mild discomfort during the first few weeks after you get a new oral appliance from Michigan Sleep Apnea Center. But in time, you should adjust. If not, call Dr. Bogrow to check the fitting.

Jaw Pain

A mouthpiece engages your jaw muscles slightly throughout the night. Especially on hinged mouthpieces which are designed to keep your jaw open. As your mouth’s muscles gain strength, the pain should fade.

Sore Teeth

Many people complain of sore teeth when they first start wearing a sleep apnea mouthpiece. This is usually an easy fix. Dr. Bogrow just needs to make some adjustments to ensure the device is aligned properly. Then, the soreness should go away.

Dry Mouth or Excessive Saliva

If you tend to breathe through your mouth while you sleep, you can expect a dry mouth or drool. There is a special spray designed to alleviate dry mouth. If you notice you drool more with the mouthpiece, drink plenty of water so you do not get dehydrated.

Contact Dr. Bogrow at Michigan Sleep Apnea Center

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact Dr. Bogrow to schedule an exam. If you’d like more information on a sleep apnea mouthpiece, contact us. Let us help you get a good night’s sleep!

The post What are the Pros and Cons of Using A Dental Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece? appeared first on Bogrow & Sherbel.

What if it’s something like lack of good sleep? Researchers have turned their attention to this possibility. When children lack adequate sleep, it can lead to behaviors that mimic ADHD. Parents have indicated that about half of the kids who have ADHD, suffer from some form of sleep problem too. They may have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. The latest reports indicate that children who have ADHD are two or three times more likely to have sleep difficulties than children without ADHD.

The Possible Connection Between ADHD and Sleep Problems

When children do not get enough sleep, it affects them negatively. They may exhibit symptoms, behaviors, or impairments comparable to ADHD. When kids suffer from sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), they exhibit behaviors like:

·  Impulsivity

·  Increased hyperactivity

·  Problematic behavioral issues

If a child suffers from sleep-disordered breathing, they may have several symptoms. These include loud snoring, frequent snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. When children or adults suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), their airway repeatedly becomes partially or completely blocked while they are sleeping.

What are the risk factors of in children?

There are a few risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in children. They often have enlarged adenoids and tonsils which contribute to SDB. Children who are overweight are also at a higher risk. Other factors that increase the risk of SDB in children include cerebral palsy, abnormalities of the lower jaw or tongue, and neuromuscular deficits.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea ADHD?

When a child suffers from ADHD or sleep deprivation, the symptoms that appear are very similar. They can be nearly indistinguishable. Sometimes, children are misdiagnosed with ADHD when they are suffering from sleep deprivation. A more accurate diagnosis would be sleep apnea ADHD. Many people, including medical professionals think of sleep apnea as a condition that only affects adults. But oftentimes, children suffer from it too. Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea ADHD include:

·  Agitation

·  Impulsive behavior

·  Difficulty paying attention

·  Unable to sit still

·  Can’t play quietly

·  Disorganization

·  Forgetfulness

While these symptoms are often associated with only ADHD, they can also be signs of sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea.

The Connection Between Sleep Disordered Breathing and ADHD in Children

What happens when a child suffers from sleep-disordered breathing? They may experience things like:

·  Sleep deprivation which causes general moodiness and disruptive behaviors at home and school.

·  Snoring is a classic symptom of sleep apnea ADHD.

·  Growth may slow due to SDB.

·  Abnormal urination  or bedwetting may occur because of an increase in urine production during the night.

·  ADHD is often caused or linked to sleep-disordered breathing.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea ADHD

A sleep specialist in Michigan can perform a sleep test for your child. If they are diagnosed with mild sleep apnea or SDB, their sleep habits may be monitored to see if they improve on their own. If your child is overweight and this seems to cause sleep apnea symptoms, you may work with a dietician or pediatrician to help them lose weight. Removal of enlarged adenoids and tonsils is often recommended. Other treatment options may include CPAP therapy or a special mouthpiecem, or oral appliance, that will help keep the airway open while they sleep.

What to do if you suspect sleep apnea ADHD

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, but you think they could possibly have sleep apnea, make an appointment with your Michigan sleep specialist. There are many risks associated with sleep deprivation. However, there are also many effective treatment options available. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

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What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA is a condition that affects breathing while you are sleeping. A partial or complete blockage of the airway occurs during sleep. When you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissue located at the back of the throat relaxes and blocks your airway. Your brain will send you a jolt to awaken you when it happens. This helps you restart breathing. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms like:

·  Very loud snoring

·  Gasping for air while you are asleep

·  Disrupted sleep patterns

Those with OSA often feel sleepy and tired the next day because of the disruptions to their sleep. Having OSA can also increase your risks for certain conditions such as stroke, depression, heart attack, and high blood pressure.

What if the CPAP doesn’t work for me?

The CPAP is generally effective at treating OSA. But since it doesn’t work for everyone, some alternatives are available. There are also a few lifestyle changes you can try to see if they make a difference. Here is a brief look at some of the things you can try.

·  Weight loss. If you are obese or overweight, fat often settles around the neck or throat. This extra pressure can cause sleep apnea. Those who lost just 10% of their body weight may be able to improve sleep apnea symptoms.

·   Sleep on one side. By sleeping on one side instead of on your back, it can be easier for your lungs to get air.

·  Avoid alcohol. Having alcoholic beverages before bedtime can cause your upper airway muscles to relax making it more difficult to breathe. This can interrupt your sleep.

·  Regular exercise. Exercising regularly can help you lose weight and for some people, at least reduces the severity of sleep apnea.

·  Don’t smoke. Smoking can cause airway swelling plus it has other harmful effects on your health.

Using Oral Appliances Instead of the CPAP

Along with lifestyle changes, Dr. Bogrow recommends the use of an oral appliance to treat sleep apnea and is trained in how to properly fit this device for the patient to ensure it is successful. There are different styles of oral appliances, but they work to move the jaw forward enough, so the muscles stay tight. By keeping them tight, they do not collapse or block the airway. Also called a mandibular advancement device, an oral appliance helps open the airway to prevent sleep apnea and snoring. Oral appliances have different styles and designs. Dr. Bogrow can determine which is would be the most effective for you based on your personal characteristics and how your symptoms are presenting.

Advantages of Using Oral Appliances

There are numerous benefits for patients who use oral appliances as a CPAP alternative. Here are just a few of them.

·  Minimizes claustrophoba. Wearing an oral appliance, in most cases is about the same as wearing a sports mouthguard. There is no mask covering your mouth and nose. While wearing an oral appliance, your nose and mouth are free to breathe room air.

·  Promotes more comfortable sleep positions. If you move around a lot during your sleep, you may have gotten tangled up in the CPAP hosing. Maybe the mask moved out of place while you were turning in your bed. Oral appliances don’t get in your way and there are no hoses to become tangled.

·  Portable. Oral appliances are small. It is just one piece and it comes with its own case. It’s easily slipped in a pocket or purse, or you can just carry it in a hand. The small size makes it highly portable and easy to travel with.

· No nighttime noises. Unlike CPAP machines, that blow air continuously all night, an oral appliance makes no noise. Even light sleepers and your bed partner will appreciate the noiseless device.

Contact Michigan Sleep Apnea Center

If you suffer from sleep apnea but the CPAP just hasn’t worked for you, contact Dr. Bogrow. He can help you determine if an oral appliance is a suitable CPAP alternative for you. Call today to schedule your free consultation.

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 Mood-Boosting Sleep

An oral appliance helps you get more sleep and better sleep. These provide a great boost for your overall emotional state. When you get adequate sleep, your mind is able to process your emotions. When you suffer from a lack of sleep, you are more likely to have more negative emotional reactions and not as many positive ones. Inadequate sleep can also lead to an increased risk for developing mood disorders. A sleep apnea mouthpiece helps you get the sleep you need so you can have an improved outlook on life, be more balanced emotionally, and be better prepared to meet the challenges of each day.

Better Brain Function

When you do not get enough sleep, you may have trouble recalling details. This can add frustration on and off the job. Sleep plays a huge role in your ability to learn and remember things. Without enough sleep, focusing becomes difficult, making it more difficult to take in new information. Your brain doesn’t have the ability to properly store memories so you can recall them later. Sleep helps your brain keep up with your active lifestyle, enhances your school and job performance, and helps you stay alert when you need to.

Increased Energy

Life can become frustrating when you don’t have the energy to do the things you need and want to do. If you enjoy sports that require a quick burst of energy like weightlifting, you may be able to get by with less sleep temporarily. But if you want to hike, bike, swim, or run, lack of sleep can deprive you of the energy needed to do the things you enjoy. Getting too little sleep not only robs you of energy, but it also hinders proper muscle repair. You may not be able to perform like you desire. Physical and mental challenges will be much harder to endure. However, when you use a sleep apnea mouthpiece and get enough sleep, your muscles can rebuild like they need to, and you’ll have better endurance to face all life’s challenges, physical and emotional. Your quality of life will greatly improve as you set yourself up for your best performance.

Ward Off Illnesses

Your immune system works to identify viruses and harmful bacteria in your body and then destroy them. This helps you stay healthy and feeling well. Ongoing lack of sleep affects how your immune system works. Your immune system reboots while you sleep. If you are not getting enough sleep, it may not be able to attack as quickly, which may mean you get sick more often. A sleep apnea mouthpiece helps you get enough sleep, so your immune system can perform up to par. Good sleep helps the immune system fight off disease and illness, so you spend more days working and playing and fewer days lying in bed trying to recover.

Contact Michigan Sleep Center

Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Does your snoring wake you up multiple times during the night? Contact Dr. Bogrow and Michigan Sleep Center to learn if you are a good candidate for a sleep apnea mouthpiece. Take our free sleep apnea assessment to see if you are at risk. Call our offices with your questions and concerns. Let us help you get a better night’s sleep and improve your quality of life.

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Symptoms of Sleep Apnea and ADHD

Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD include:

· Forgetfulness

· Impulsivity

·  Inability to focus

·  Irritability

·  Easily distracted

·  Disorganization

The thing is, these symptoms are very similar to those caused by sleep apnea including the lack of focus, irritability, and feeling like you have no energy. Since these symptoms overlap, misdiagnoses are common. Dr. Bogrow recommends a sleep study if you or a loved one experience a few ADHD symptoms.

Sometimes patients suffer from both ADHD and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can aggravate the symptoms of ADHD. When you suffer from ADHD, a lack of sleep can cause more anxiety in particular. Children and adults who don’t get good sleep will react differently. A child who doesn’t get adequate sleep will become hyper in most cases. Adults, however, become fatigued.

Why a sleep study?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat collapse and block the airway. When you stop breathing, sleep is disrupted. Every time an apnea occurs, you stop breathing, and your body sacrifices energy. Even if you sleep eight hours each night, if you are having apnea episodes during the night you can feel tired and find it difficult to concentrate throughout the day. If you or your loved one suffers from sleep apnea, ADHD medications will not help alleviate symptoms effectively. A Michigan Sleep Apnea Center sleep specialist can test for and diagnose sleep apnea. Once you receive the proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms should lessen.

What happens if Dr. Bogrow finds I am suffering from sleep apnea?

If Dr. Bogrow diagnoses you with obstructive sleep apnea, he will prescribe appropriate sleep apnea treatment. You may benefit from using a CPAP device that provides continuous pressure in the airway to keep it open while you sleep. This will keep your breathing from stopping while you are sleeping. Or, you may be prescribed an oral appliance that fits in your mouth similar to a mouthguard. It will reposition your lower jaw forward so your airway remains open during sleep.

You can start by taking this free sleep apnea assessment on the Michigan Sleep Apnea Center website. The results let Dr. Bogrow know if you will benefit from a sleep test to determine if you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. Once you are tested and have a diagnosis, then Dr. Bogrow will make a treatment plan. If you need an oral appliance, a custom-made device will be made for you. Then you can begin benefiting from getting a good night’s sleep!

Contact Michigan Sleep Apnea Center

If you or your loved one is experiencing any of the common symptoms of ADHD and/or sleep apnea, please contact us with your questions. We will be happy to schedule you for an exam with Dr. Bogrow and help you get on the road to better sleep.

The post Learn More About the Link Between Sleep Apnea and ADHD appeared first on Bogrow & Sherbel.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder requiring professional medical help. Dr. Bogrow treats patients who suffer from snoring and sleep apnea. His goal is to find patients effective and comfortable solutions that help improve their quality of life by getting longer, better sleep. At Michigan Sleep Center, patients are treated using oral appliance therapy.

What is oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea?

An oral appliance is worn only during sleep and fits somewhat like an orthodontic retainer. The appliance helps keep the jaw in a forward position, so the upper airway remains open. This can be effective for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. After an evaluation and diagnosis of sleep apnea, Dr. Bogrow will discuss your options and prescribe a custom-made oral appliance.

What are the advantages?

A CPAP can be noisy and burdensome to deal with. In some instances, it can prevent a good night’s sleep. Oral appliances, on the other hand, are non-invasive and can more easily be fit into a busy lifestyle. Patients comment that oral appliance therapy provides benefits such as:

• Being more comfortable
• Easier to wear
• Much quieter
• Very portable
• Make it easier to travel
• Easier to care for

How does an oral appliance treat sleep apnea?

If you have sleep apnea and Dr. Bogrow prescribes the use of an oral appliance, he will make sure it fits you well. They come in a variety of designs, but it’s most important that it fits you. The main purpose of using them is to keep the airway open while you are sleeping. This will prevent it from collapsing and blocking free airflow. An oral appliance will do three things:

1. The oral appliance will hold the airway open by bringing the lower jaw forward slightly.
2. It holds the tongue in position so it cannot fall backward and cause airway obstruction while you are sleeping.
3. It may do one or both of these actions at the same time.

How effective are these devices?

The most popular treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP. But after more research, oral appliances are being prescribed more frequently. They often provide an alternative to the use of a CPAP or sleep apnea surgery. An oral appliance is less expensive and less invasive. In cases where a patient is suffering from sleep apnea and being overweight, an they may be used along with an appropriate weight loss program. Oral appliances help reduce snoring as well by reducing airway turbulence. It is important to work with Dr. Bogrow at the Michigan Sleep Apnea Center to determine the best treatment course for you.

Will insurance pay for oral appliances?

In most cases, medical insurance, not dental insurance, will pay for at least part of the costs of obtaining an oral appliance. Medicare and sometimes Medicaid will pay for the device, especially if the CPAP was not effective. At Michigan Sleep Apnea Center, initial costs include the appliance, the exam, and an entire year of follow-up visits and adjustments. Dr. Bogrow works diligently to minimize patient costs.

What’s it like to live with oral appliance therapy?

When oral appliance therapy is effective, it can make you feel like a brand new person. It will reduce your interrupted sleep and associated symptoms. This can improve your quality of life dramatically. You may be able to sleep better and feel better throughout the daytime.

How do I get an oral appliance?

Your first step, after receiving a medical diagnosis of sleep apnea from a physician, is to schedule an initial complimentary consultation with Dr. Bogrow, to confirm that appliance therapy is an appropriate treatment for your situation. We will review your history and discuss your symptoms and lifestyle. At that time we will also discuss your medical insurance and how your coverage will be used to cover the cost of the appliance. 

If you are ready to sleep better and feel better, call us today to schedule a visit with Dr. Bogrow.

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