Even Famous People Have Sleep Apnea

Are you losing a good night’s rest because you wake often choking or gasping for air? Maybe your loud snoring is keeping your partner awake? You might suffer from a disorder called obstructive sleep apnea, which causes frequent pauses in breathing while sleeping. This can create several symptoms that affect many areas of your life, including your heart health and your mood. Although it might seem like an isolating condition, over 22 million Americans also have the disorder, even celebrities. Thankfully, you don’t need to live with the symptoms influencing your quality of life. With the right treatment from your sleep apnea dentist in The Woodlands, no one will even know you have the condition.

Who Can Develop Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes interruptions in breathing while sleeping from the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or throat collapsing to block the airway. Although the disorder can occur in anyone, there are certain risk factors that increase the likeliness, such as genetics, a large neck circumference, or obesity. This means people from all walks of life can develop the disorder, including celebrities.

Behind the lavish vacations and flashy cars, many of your favorite stars also live with obstructive sleep apnea, like Randy Jackson, Roseanne Barr, and Shaquille O’Neal. Even former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia had the condition prior to his death.

Many fans don’t know popular celebrities have the disorder because they get the treatment they need. If you’re among those who struggle with the sleep apnea, you have more options than ever to breathe easier.

What are My Options to Treat Sleep Apnea?

The most traditional method to treat obstructive sleep apnea involves using a CPAP machine. The device delivers a gentle stream of air pressure through a mask worn over the mouth and nose to prevent the airways from collapsing. This stops the pauses in breathing and allows you to maintain adequate oxygen levels while you’re sleeping. Although it’s an effective solution, many patients find a CPAP bothersome. As an alternative, you can benefit from an oral appliance.

It may look like an athletic mouthguard; however, an oral appliance serves another purpose. It repositions your lower jaw forward and holds your tongue down to prevent them from blocking the back of the mouth. This has shown to be effective for treating mild-to-moderate forms of the condition when used correctly.

Get Help with Your Sleep Apnea

If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, your sleep dentist can help you get the relief you need using a customized treatment plan. Don’t put your health or your quality of life at risk any longer. Breathe better today with the right solution.

About Dr. Robert Dernick

Dr. Robert Dernick has had a lifelong passion for dental care. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch of Houston. He regularly undergoes continuing education to offer many areas of specialty, including treatment for sleep apnea. He’s completed extensive training in sleep dentistry to create the personalized plans his patients need. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.