Snoring: A Sleep Disorder in Disguise

Snoring: A Sleep Disorder in Disguise

It’s 7am and the sound of your alarm clock wakes you. Struggling to get out of bed even after 8 hours of sleep, you feel groggy and realize that your head aches and your mouth is dry. If this is your typical morning, you may have a Sleep Disorder that could be damaging your overall health. Additionally, snoring, waking in the middle of the night coughing or gasping for air, and experiencing daytime sleepiness and/or irritability are also good indications that a Sleep Disorder is present. Sleep Disorders affect nearly 44 million Americans. Of the 70+ Sleep Disorders diagnosed by physicians, most can be managed effectively once identified and treated. The most common sleep disorders include Snoring, Restless Legs Syndrome, Narcolepsy, Parasomnias, Insomnia, and Circadian Rhythm Disorders. One of the most prevalent and dangerous Sleep Disorders is Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway muscles do not work properly. When you are awake, your muscles in the airway stay open and allow normal breathing. When you sleep, these muscles relax. For some, this relaxation is too great and the upper airway collapses. A small collapse can cause snoring, but a complete collapse prevents breathing for extended periods. The brain registers this hazardous state and temporarily wakes you, reengaging your airway muscles and breathing.

Reasons for Concern

Over 30% of Americans have Sleep Disorders, with the majority going undiagnosed. Sleep is vital for cell rejuvenation and your overall health and wellness, so constant sleep interruptions have drastic consequences. Sleep Medicine experts agree that Sleep Disorders increase your risk of developing serious conditions and diseases such as:

• Hypertension
• Heart Failure
• Stroke
• Type II Diabetes
• Weight Gain
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Immune System Deficiencies

Treatment Options and Solutions

Your airway’s collapsibility is the primary cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring, collectively referred to as Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Luckily, several treatments options are available. Individuals with SDB can manage their disorders through medical interventions, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure support (CPAP), positional therapy, weight loss therapy, and Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Although it may come as a surprise, dentists are often the first to recognize the signs and symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing. Dentists can work with Sleep Medicine Specialists to create and implement your treatment plan.

Fusion Sleep’s Dental Practitioner and Sleep Medicine Experts

Fusion Sleep is the only comprehensive Sleep Medicine Program in Atlanta that combines professional expertise in the field of Sleep Medicine with multiple treatment options for both children and adults. Additionally, Fusion Sleep is the only program in Georgia with a Dental Practitioner dual-boarded in both Dental Sleep Medicine and Craniofacial Pain. Dr. Mayoor Patel, DDS, MS, has over 8 years of experience practicing Sleep Medicine and Craniofacial Pain.

Dr. Patel is joined by our Sleep Medicine Physician Leadership team that is fully trained in Sleep Medicine and Board Certified in various specialties. All of our physicians hold multiple Board Certifications in specialties such as Neurology, Pulmonology, Otolaryngology and Pediatrics. Nationally accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), Fusion Sleep serves as the benchmark for excellence in Sleep Medicine.

Contact us today to learn more about our programs and speak with our Benefits Specialists to understand your insurance coverage.