Chicago Sleep Apnea

Do you or someone you know suffer from sleep apnea? Common symptoms include snoring, sleepiness during daytime hours, sudden waking up at night, or awakening with a shortness of breath. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that when left untreated can be life-threatening.

There is a solution that is simple and non-surgical. If you have been diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea, a dental appliance worn during the night may be the answer. Dr. Paul Landman can help you to determine if this advancement is right for you.

What is Sleep Apnea?

When you fall asleep, you are in a relaxed state. The soft tissues in your throat sometimes can obstruct your airway. When this tissue vibrates, that is when snoring occurs. If the soft tissues block the airway, that is sleep apnea. In the drawing to the right you can see where this constriction takes place.
Traditionally surgery was the only solution. Now, there are several safe and effective dental appliances on the market. Somnomed and Breathe Easy are two popular brands. They move your lower jaw forward during sleep which causes the tongue to move forward. This action keeps the airway open in order to stop snoring and sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is mild or moderate, treatment with one of these appliances can often completely solve your problem. For severe cases, we may need to refer you for some other solution.

There are many health risks associated with this condition.

• High blood pressure is present in over half of individuals with sleep apnea.
• Since the heart rate drops when the airway is blocked then rapidly increases when breathing resumes, some evidence suggests a higher risk for heart disease or other complications.
• Daytime fatigue is common, which increases your chances to have a car accident.
• Depression has also been linked to this. A study at a leading university shows that individuals with sleep disorders are five times more likely to be affected by depression.

If you suffer from snoring or sleep apnea, we can help you determine if you are a candidate for a dental appliance. We will consult with your physician to be sure that this treatment is appropriate for you, and will ask for a written prescription from your physician. Often, your medical insurance will cover much of the cost of the appliance, and this reimbursement will be easier to get if the appliance is made on the recommendation of your physician. We will walk you through the process and answer your questions at (312) 266-6480.