Lots of scientific studies have shown the links between obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleep disorders on our overall health but can poor sleep be a matter of life and death?

Problem sleep has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression and daytime sleepiness. A new study from the Medical College of Georgia has shown a link between insomnia and the loss of hope which may lead to an increased risk of suicide. The researchers looked at 50 depressed patients between the ages of 20 and 80. More than half had attempted to take their own life and most were on antidepressant medication.

A set of questions was asked of the patients and researchers discovered that insomnia leads to a very specific type of hopelessness. According to Dr. W. Vaughn McCall “The likelihood of being suicidal at least doubles when insomnia is a symptom. This study should remind physicians that sleep and insomnia should be considered when treating depressed patients.

Depression can also be linked to obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder in which people stop breathing while sleeping. The standard treatment is a CPAP machine but many people find it impossible to sleep with the masks and hoses or the side effects caused by the device.

Oral appliance therapy is available from a dentist who is specially trained in the treatment of sleep apnea patients. This small device looks similar to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer and is worn while sleeping. Most devices work by placing the lower jaw in a slightly forward position which keeps the airway open during sleep – no more stoppages of breathing! Patients report much more energy and clarity in their thinking following a full night of sleep – health issues such as heart disease and diabetes may also be improved.

Please contact Columbus sleep apnea dentist Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696 to schedule a consultation to see if oral appliance therapy is right for you.