September 17, 2010

Biggest Loser Contestants Linked to Sleep Apnea

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 […]
September 14, 2010

Football, Migraines and Sleep Apnea

Minnesota Vikings player Percy Harvin collapsed on the practice field on August 19th and according to NBC his heart stopped for 10 seconds after he was taken to a hospital.   At first complications from his frequent migraine headaches were suspected. However, a few days after being released from the hospital Harvin underwent an overnight sleep study which he said showed […]
September 2, 2010

Oral Appliance Treatment for Sleep Apnea Vs. the Internet

While trolling through the internet the other night I discovered many websites, forums and user groups that discuss the ongoing battles that patients seem to have with the CPAP machines they use to treat their obstructive sleep apnea.  I notice that the traffic on these sites seems to spike in the middle of the night – when everyone should be […]
August 27, 2010

Severity of Sleep Disordered Breathing Linked to Obesity

A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia attributes the increase in severity of sleep disordered breathing (i.e. obstructive sleep apnea) cases to increases in obesity levels. The researchers from the University of Newcastle reviewed almost 15,000 diagnostic sleep studies made between 1987 and 2007.  The median body weight of patients increased by 11% for men and 16% for […]
August 24, 2010

Dentists and Disaster Relief

Dentists are being given a bigger role in disaster relief efforts according to bills passed in congress.  Michigan Democrat Bart Stupak introduced HR903 which includes the following: Dental Emergency Responder Act of 2009 – Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) revise the National Health Security Strategy to include increasing the preparedness, response capabilities, and surge capacity of dental […]
July 22, 2010

Sleep Apnea Can Depress Your Partner

A new study reported in the journal Sleep and Breathing shows that sharing a bed with a loud snorer can cause depression.  Treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) responsible for the nocturnal noise allows your partner to feel better as well. The study involved 36  couples wherein one partner suffered from mild to moderate sleep apnea.  Each patient with […]
March 16, 2010

Sleep Apnea Effects Columbus

Obesity is a known risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea; however, it is hypothesized that the effects of OSA itself may predispose patients to weight gain. Treat OSA with oral appliance therapy.