Lots of good things happen while we’re sleeping. Our skin repairs itself, memories are fixed in our minds, new learning is placed in long-term storage in our brains and deep sleep energizes our immune systems. Being deprived of deep sleep has just the opposite effect on the immune system.

Even just a few days of sleep deprivation, total or partial, can lead to a weaker immune system. Imagine the immune system of someone with obstructive sleep apnea who wakens hundreds of times each night to start breathing again. Also imagine the immune system of their spouse who is awakened by the snoring and gasping all night long.

A weak immune system not only makes you vulnerable to catch the latest “bug” circulating around the office but can also leave you susceptible to more serious disease.

If you have been prescribed CPAP therapy to treat your obstructive sleep apnea and you are not able to tolerate sleeping with the machine there are alternative treatments available to you. An oral appliance may be the answer to a full nights sleep for you and your partner. Sleeping with an oral appliance is easy, simply slip the appliance into your mouth similar to an orthodontic retainer or bite splint. There are no tubes, hoses or cords.

Oral appliance therapy is safe, effective and approved by the FDA for treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliances may also be used in more serious cases when the patient is CPAP intolerant.

Deep sleep is important for the human body and sleepless nights have consequences far beyond feeling drowsy the following day. Please contact Dr. Mark Levy in Columbus, Ohio at 614-454-3488 to learn more about oral appliance therapy and get started on the journey toward a good night’s sleep.