This year marks the 10th anniversary for the popular reality television show, The Biggest Loser.  The new season premiers on  on NBC on September 21st.  Last year, SleepEducation blog reported that all 16 contestants on the show suffered from obstructive sleep apnea.

Obesity increases the risk for obstructive sleep apnea.  A high BMI (body mass index) and a large neck measurement are indications that further screening for obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep breathing disorders should be done.

Losing weight can can help people treat their condition.  However the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, whose former President Dr. Clete Kushida worked with the Biggest Loser Contestants, recommends that obstructive sleep apnea patients combine their weight loss with treatment using a CPAP device or oral appliance therapy.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and cannot sleep comfortably with your CPAP or find that the side effects from the device are impacting your quality of life you may be a good candidate for oral appliance therapy.  For more information please contact my Columbus, Ohio office at 614-476-6696 and schedule your consultation.  You deserve a good night’s sleep!