Daytime Fatigue? Discover the Dangers of Sleep Apnea in The Woodlands, TX

Wondering why you are continually tired in the mornings? Beginning to wonder why your heart races when you wake up gasping for air in the middle of the night? Sleep apnea in The Woodlands, TX, could be the culprit. This common condition can occur in anyone at any age, even the most rich and famous. Celebrities are not immune to sleep apnea. In fact, some have even died from the condition. Find out some of the dangers associated with this disorder and what you can do about it.

What Are the Dangers of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is certainly one of the most underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed disorders these days. The symptoms associated with it can be easily mistaken for other problems, leaving millions of people going untreated for years. This lack of diagnoses can lead to a variety of dangerous problems, including:

• Chronic sleep deprivation
• High blood pressure
• Negative cognitive brain function
• Obesity
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Depression
• Respiratory problems

Which Celebrities Suffer From Sleep Apnea?

If you suffer from sleep apnea, it might make you feel better knowing you’re not the only one. Those living in the spotlight can also experience the signs of sleep apnea. Fortunately, many have found treatment methods to help them get restful sleep, but others have fatally succumbed to the complications associated with sleep apnea.

Here is a list of those individuals who have died as a result of sleep apnea difficulties:

• Carrie Fisher
• Jerry Garcia
• Justice Antonin Scalia
• John Candy
• James Gandolfini
• Reggie White

Some of the following celebrities have sought successful treatment for sleep apnea:

• Brett Farve
• JaMarcus Russell
• Shaquille O’Neal
• William Shatner
• Regis Philbin
• Roseanne Barr
• Anne Rice
• Penn Jillette
• Quincy Jones

How is it Treated?

Living with the inability to get adequate rest doesn’t have to be a reality anymore. Thankfully, obstructive sleep apnea in The Woodlands, TX, can be treated with the help of different methods: CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy.

CPAP therapy is the most commonly prescribed solution. This requires that patients wear a mask to bed. It is connected to an air pump that continuously forces air into the throat. This works to keep the airway open while asleep. Unfortunately, many patients find it uncomfortable and difficult to maneuver, which is why more dentists are beginning to offer oral appliance therapy.

This type of treatment is small, compact, and easy to use. Depending on your individual needs, these custom-made devices are worn in the mouth while you sleep. They will gently shift the jaw forward to keep the airway open. Resembling a mouthguard, they can be easily transported should you need to leave on vacation or for work.

Sleep apnea isn’t just for the hard-working adult. It appears in both children and adults, and even your favorite movie star might be fighting the same battle as you. If you’ve yet to receive an official diagnosis, talk to your dentist today. Discuss your options and find out how you can start getting the rest you need.

About the Author
Dr. Robert G. Dernick earned his DDS degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1979. Considered a dental pioneer in The Woodlands, he opened his first practice in 1980, and he is known as one of the most caring, experienced, and skilled dentists in the area. Discovering more about the field of sleep dentistry, he’s able to provide safe, effective, and non-invasive sleep apnea therapy using custom-made oral appliances. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (281) 367-3900.