“I feel like myself again!” After a week of wearing an oral appliance

(As seen in Naperville Glancer, April 2013 edition)

“I feel like myself again!” a patient happily blurted out at a recent visit to our practice. Was she talking about a recent smile makeover? Or possibly a re-energized feeling from a new exercise program? Maybe a new healthy eating plan has rejuvenated her? No, she was able to sleep well again, for the first time in over a decade!

Knowing she had snoring issues, Elaine was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder that caused pausing or dips in breathing throughout the night during sleep.  In many cases sleep apnea can cause restless sleep, poor quality of sleep and an entire list of other problems such as:

• Lack of energy
• Lock of focus
• Depression-like symptoms
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Personality changes
• Increase the chance of stroke and heart attacks

Unfortunately, Elaine could not get accustomed to wearing an air pressure device (CPAP) that is often used to treat OSA patients.  Years of not treating her condition took a real toll on her emotional well-being. She never felt rested, and often even depressed.

Luckily her physician referred her to us, for the treatment of oral appliance therapy, a CPAP alternative. An oral appliance proved to be a success for her.  In as little as a week after wearing an oral appliance, she was able to sleep well for the first time in years. 

And soon afterwards, she notices how much better she felt throughout the day.

Whether it be snoring, obstructive sleep apnea a, or one of the many other sleeping disorders, lack of good quality of sleep can have devastating effect. If you are interested in regaining your ‘youthful’ self-back and sleep well again, discuss your symptoms with your physician. It may lead to a youthful, more energetic you!