Submitted by Koala Center for Sleep and TMJ Disorders
“Looking back, I could see where my health was declining and my relationships were becoming strained, and I didn’t know why.” Gail tells us she was at a loss, the mood swings at home and at work were puzzling, and she’d lost joy in the things she loved to do. Her life felt overwhelming, and the thought of dealing with holiday festivities brought feelings of anxiety instead of the joy she was accustomed to. What Gail discovered was that she was sleep-deprived, and suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Gail’s experience is not unique. For many people, the holidays are a time of increased stress and depression. According to an article from Psychology Today, the “holiday blues are a real phenomenon.” Stressors range from end-of-year work deadlines, to family gatherings, to financial concerns. However, when these stressors combine with sleep deprivation caused by a sleep disorder, a time of year that should be filled with joy, family, and friendship can easily feel like an accident waiting to happen.
Sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can lead to a variety of problems, ranging from hormone imbalances to impaired cognitive skills, heart issues to drowsy driving. Yet, surprisingly, our society does not always place a priority on sleep states Dr. Rod Willey, of Koala® Center for Sleep and TMJ Disorders. He notes, “Of the three pillars of health and wellness, Nutrition, Exercise and Sleep, society tends to see sleep as negotiable. However, it is an extremely vital pillar that should not be overlooked.” Gail learned the effects of sleep deprivation are far-reaching, impacting our professions, family lives, and our health.
After a visit to Koala® Center for Sleep and TMJ Disorders, Gail discovered OSA is a chronic condition in which the tongue, jaw, and soft tissues relax and collapse into the airway during sleep, leading to reduced oxygen, interrupted sleep, and stress on the heart. A typical sequence of OSA occurs during sleep when a person stops breathing for a few seconds or over a minute. The brain may cause the body to jerk in an attempt to wake the sleeper so breathing will resume. Once back to sleep, this cycle can occur hundreds of times per night. Some of the signs and symptoms of OSA include waking multiple times, daytime sleepiness, snoring, mood swings, high blood pressure, decreased cognitive skills, depression, and anxiety. When left untreated, it may lead to heart attack, stroke, and death.
Fortunately for Gail, and others like her, she discovered the Koala dental sleep appliance is easy to wear and a comfortable treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Gail tells us, “Since being fitted with the dental sleep appliance, I’m enjoying family, friends, and festivities again. I’m so grateful to the Koala staff for helping me get the sleep I need. I’m living the dream, with a good night’s sleep.”
Custom dental sleep appliances are similar in feel to a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer. They are worn during sleep to prevent the obstruction that occurs during sleep apnea, approved by the FDA in 2006 to treat mild and moderate sleep apnea, and an effective option for cpap intolerance.
A visit to Koala® Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders and you’ll discover how to get a good night’s sleep! Stop by 11825 N. Knoxville Ave, Dunlap, IL for a visit with our professional, friendly clinicians, or check out the educational “Library” at KoalaSleepCenters.com where you’ll discover All Things Sleep! Health insurance, Medicare and VA benefits accepted. Call today for your visit (309) 240-6700.
Sources available upon request