Sleep Apnea Specialist - Dr. Jonathan Greenburg
While everyone likes to get a good night sleep, few of us fully recognize the importance of sleep. There are many people who boast about the fact that they need six or less hours of sleep per night, however, these individuals are putting their bodies at great risk of severe health complications. One study published in the Journal Sleep suggests that individuals who receive less than eight hours of sleep per night have a 26 percent greater death rate over twenty years than those who regularly get a full night of sleep.
So what is keeps us up at night? There are many reasons we don’t get a good night sleep. Lifestyle is a big factor as well as employment, however the largest contributor of sleep deprivation is sleep disorders. Sleep apnea is one such disorder, characterized by loud snoring. In addition to snoring, which is annoying in and of itself, the sleeper actually stops breathing. This is caused by soft tissue in the back of the throat blocking the airway. This condition is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Because the sufferer is constantly roused during the night, they often awaken tired and complain of headaches and an inability to concentrate. Studies have also linked sleep deprivation with impotence impaired driving and slow reaction times. However, in addition to these problems, according to Dr. Jonathan Greenburg, sleep apnea specialist, the sufferer also has a greater risk of stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, diabetes and even heart attacks.
According to Dr. Greenburg, whose practice is located near Los Angeles, sleep apnea treatment takes many different forms. Among the most common, and typically the first line of defense, is the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device. This machine helps the airway remain open by forcing a steady stream of air through a mask that fits over the nose.
While there are been great advances in CPAP therapy, Dr. Greenburg indicates that close to half of individuals who use the device find they are intolerant to treatment. These intolerances can be as simple as sore and inflamed nasal passages, which typically get better with prolonged usage, or as concerning as patients who do not see improvement with treatment. “Patients with petite facial features have a difficult time finding a mask that will fit, while other patients, despite our best efforts, continue to snore and stop breathing.”
For these patients and others who choose not to utilize CPAP therapy, there are alternative approaches. Oral appliances are the most common option. These devices, which are similar to an orthodontic appliance, keep the airway unobstructed by moving the jaw forward.
Dr. Greenburg has seen especially good results with the FDA approved FullBreath appliance. The device, which is created based on precise measurements of the patient’s jaw, teeth and throat as well as data indicating the amount of restricted airflow, is custom designed to meet the individual needs of each patient. It also has another design feature with holds the tongue in place (one of the most significant issues for snoring and sleep apnea) providing additional support for the airway.
“A good night sleep is crucial to every system in the body, “ Dr. Greenburg notes. “Sleep apnea does not have to be the reason why people are not rested,” He adds. With options like CPAP therapy and the FullBreath oral appliance, many more people are able to get the rest they need.
If you or someone you know has sleep apnea, or is CPAP intolerant, then you should see Dr. Jonanthan Greenburg. With offices serving the greater Los Angeles area, Dr. Greenburg you can make an appointment for a free consultation.
