Although scientists still are trying to find out why people need sleep, research on the sleep of animals show that sleep is necessary for survival.  Some experts believe sleep allows the body to repair itself: during sleep many cells show increased production of proteins, the essentials building blocks needed for cell growth and repair from stress and ultraviolet rays.  The fact that many biochemicals and physiological processes take place during sleep has led to consensus among researchers that adequate sleep is essential to health and wellness.

A look at the impact of sleep loss on physiological and cognitive functions can also help shed on the purpose of sleep.  Some of the functions include memory and attention, complex thoughts, motor response, and emotional control.  But sleep loss does far more than make us grumpy and groggy.  In the past few years, investigators have found that sleep loss may have harmful consequences for our immune system, as well as contribute to serious illness such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option call us at (630) 369-5508.

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Did you know that most people are not given the option of oral appliance therapy for snoring and apnea after they have been diagnosed with such a sleep disorder? Many of these people are struggling with the drowsiness and fatigue often associated with living untreated snoring and apnea. For years now, oral appliances has been approved and recommended by top experts in the field, but public acceptance is still lagging!  For the majority of cases, professional oral appliances may be the best option, especially for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), snorers, and those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. We are extremely passionate in helping individuals that have been struggling with CPAP therapy in Naperville, Lisle, Aurora, Bolingbrook and surrounding Chicago suburbs. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com or call us at (630) 369-5508.

Usually comparative studies of oral appliance and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat obstructive sleep apnea are small and with limitations.

Recently in a randomized crossover trial that involved 126 obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, researchers compared CPAP with an adjustable mandibular advancement device that was adjusted to the most comfortable maximum limit.  Sleep apnea was shown in patients mild, moderate and severe and the study lasted one month.

The baseline apnea index (AHI) was 26 events per hour.  AHI was markedly decreased both in CPAP and oral device.  But mean on-treatment AHI was significantly lower with CPAP 5 vs. 11 events/hr, and the proportion of patients whose AHI normalized was higher with CPAP (about 75% vs. 40%).   The AHI difference between treatment groups of OSA and CPAP patients was striking between patients with severe OSA and moderate OSA.  Patient compliance was significantly higher with the mandibular device than with CPAP (average reported use 6.5% vs. 5.2 hours).

Blood pressure was measured for 24 hours and were unchanged in both groups.  Equally improved daytime sleepiness was seen in both groups.  When eight quality of life indicators were evaluated, the mandibular appliance was equal to CPAP in four indicators and superior to CPAP in four indicators.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com or call us at (630) 369-5508.

Sleep Apnea is well known to affect women and men differently.  But new studies show that women with this sleep disorder are actually reported to have greater evidence of brain damage than men with the same condition.

Presence of nerve fibers called (white matter) were compared in the brains of 80 men and women and researchers have found that with /or without obstructive sleep apnea, brain damage in women affected the brain more.

These women’s brains were affected in two areas in the front of the brain (the cingulum bundle and the anterior cingulate cortex).  This is known to play a role in decision-making and regulation mood.

Women are also know to have higher levels of daytime sleepiness, stress, anxiety and reduced quality of sleep, according to the study in the December issue of the Journal of Sleep.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com or call us at (630) 369-5508.

Recently I was reading an article in the paper regarding the sports activity schedule of a high school student.  Her wake up time starts at 4:30 am and her bedtime average was between 11-12:00pm, which gives her only 5 hours of sleep each night.  I know how busy kids can get with their school, sports and activity schedules but are we placing too much stress on the kids?  Yes, it does look great on college resumes, and activities are a great way for the kids to get exercise and mingle with their own peers, but is it costing your child good sleep?  It is important for kids to relax and unwind and have some time to themselves.  Sleep is one of the most important aspects of child development and health.

On average, teen’s age 10-17 should get 8.5-9 hours of sleep each night.  Elementary school kids should be getting on average 10-11 hours of sleep each night.  Please think about this when deciding on sports schedules or adding extra activities to your children’s schedules.

Some questions you may consider before saying yes to that next activity:

• Is your child getting enough sleep most nights?
• Do they have time to eat well balanced and nutritious meals, or are you eating on the run?
• Is the family sitting down to share their meals the majority of the week?
• Is there time allotted each night for the kids to focus on schoolwork?
• Is there downtime for the kids to have to themselves, to read, listen to music, etc.?

After reading this, you still have a choice. But if this is your decision, and one that works well for you and your family then, wonderful.  But for those looking to end the world of non-stop running and meals at fast food places, tired kids and perhaps falling grades, then maybe step back and take a look at what are we trying to develop for our kids.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com or call us at (630) 369-5508.