Sleep Apnea, a Serious Wake Up Call

Never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep.  Getting the rest your body needs is crucial to living a healthy and happy life.  But sadly, there are millions of Americans who suffer from a sleep disorder that prevents them from getting the rest they need.

Sleep apnea has become a significant health issue in the United States. It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from this sleep disorder.  Surprisingly enough 80 percent of the cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea go undiagnosed.  When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.  Sleep apnea is associated with type 2 diabetes and depression.

Some of the symptoms may include snoring or persistent drowsiness during the day.  Unlike diabetes or high blood pressure that are treated with prescription drugs, all sleep apnea requires is air.  There are several ways to treat sleep apnea one is with a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is a treatment that uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open. The other is with an oral appliance that helps move the lower jaw forward to open up the airway.

As a leading provider of orthodontics, Dr. Berrios understands the proper diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.  If you or someone you know might suffer from sleep apnea please call (818) 718-9280 for a complimentary consultation.  It might just be the first step to a better night’s sleep.

Dr. David Berrios is located in Northridge, California and provides Orthodontic services to Tarzana, Encino, Calabasas, Sun City, Northridge and the entire San Fernando Valley. He is a member of the  International Association of Facial Growth Guidance and strongly believes that crooked teeth or an improper bite is due to incorrect development of the muscles and jaws. Unlike most other orthodontists, he feels that these cannot be corrected by braces, extraction of healthy teeth or surgery alone.