Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) but treatments just don’t seem to be working? You might want to get checked for obstructive sleep apnea. It is estimated that 40% of people with untreated sleep apnea will develop high blood pressure and 30% of people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure have sleep apnea but most just aren’t aware of it.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep by tissues of the mouth and throat. Oxygen levels in the bloodstream drop and the brain eventually triggers the sleeper to waken briefly to begin breathing again. This is usually accompanied by loud gasps or snorts and loud snoring punctuates most of the night. The stoppage of breath puts a huge strain on the entire cardiovascular system so it is not surprising that high blood pressure is so common in sleep apnea patients.

Diagnosing sleep apnea begins with a sleep study which monitors your breathing and oxygen levels during sleep. Treatment often begins with a CPAP machine which, while highly effective, is not tolerated by almost half of all sleep apnea patients. A very effective treatment that is more comfortable and less cumbersome is an oral appliance created by a dentist who has special training in the field of dental sleep medicine.

In the Columbus, OH area Dr. Mark Levy has exceptional training and experience in treating patients with sleep apnea. Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care  at 614-476-6696 today to schedule your consultation for diagnosis and treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea.