Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has now been linked to erectile dysfunction. Researchers at Mount Sinai in New York conducted a study of 870 men. The average age was in the late 40’s and their body mass index average was in the obese range. Sixty-three percent of the men had OSA and once the researchers adjusted for other health issues and age, they discovered that men with erectile dysfunction were more than twice as likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep disorders like OSA are serious medical conditions. OSA sufferers stop breathing during sleep because tissues of the mouth and throat collapse during sleep and block the airway. The sleeper typically wakes gasping for breath following this period of not breathing – however the sleeper doesn’t remember these episodes in the morning. Left untreated OSA can lead to heart disease and stroke. It has also been linked to complications for other chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Treatment for OSA includes CPAP, which is a small air compressor attached to a mask that is worn while sleeping that pushes air into the lungs. For patients who cannot use CPAP there is oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances are custom made devices that gently move your jaw forward and keep the airway open during sleep. These devices must be made by an experienced dental sleep medicine dentist.

Snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, weight and neck size are all used to screen for obstructive sleep apnea. Due to this new research we have one more clue who should be tested for OSA.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms please contact StoneRidge Dental Care today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your consultation.