“Sleep apnea, actually, is a pretty common condition which is most likely under-diagnosed and under-evaluated because many people don’t realize that they have it.”

It’s become such a huge health problem in America and has been linked to the “obesity epidemic, high rates of stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular or heart disease, and even mortality.”

Check out this quick video to hear more frightening news, and see why Shaq is attacking Sleep Apnea!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JkiWvWn2aU&feature=player_embedded#at=19]

“Sleep apnea is a condition where a person is unable to get air into their lungs when they fall asleep.”

So those bouts of non-breathing – from snoring out loud to what sounds like no breathing – can not only lead to a poor night’s sleep and all the health maladies associated, it can kill us.

Image courtesy of the American Sleep Apnea Association

Some common Sleep Apnea symptoms:

  • Snoring
  • Frequent waking up at night feeling breathless
  • Irritability (from not getting a good night sleep)
  • High blood pressure

Some possible treatments for Sleep Apnea:

  • CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
  • OSB® (Oral Systemic Balance Therapy)
  • Oral appliances
  • Weight Loss

To get more facts about sleep apnea from The American Sleep Apnea Association, click here. Be sure to check your snore score, or your significant others, while you’re there.

And don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about any possible sleep apnea or snoring issues you may be experiencing – first-hand or not.

Sources:

Division of Sleep Medicine | Harvard Medical School Sleep & Health Education Program

American Sleep Apnea Association