Lisa, a receptionist at OSF hospital, had suffered from chronic fatigue, headaches, and depression for the past 2 years.  “I would get home from work and go straight to bed, because I was so exhausted all the time,” Lisa says.

Lisa’s symptoms were a sign of a much bigger problem. She is one of the 18 million Americans with sleep apnea, a chronic condition in which the airway collapses during sleep.  According to the National Sleep Foundation, 90% of these patients go undiagnosed.  The pauses in breathing can last from 10 seconds to a minute or longer and can increase risk for high blood pressure, stroke, depression, irritability, lower sexual drive, and reduction of intellectual ability.

A sleep study revealed that Lisa stopped breathing 13 times per hour during the night.  Her physician prescribed a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) to treat her sleep apnea.  “I tried to use the CPAP, but developed a rash due to a latex allergy and was unable to continue wearing it,” Lisa says.

Even after being prescribed Ritalin, two depression medications, and a headache medication, Lisa wasn’t finding relief.   “I had to take 3 medical leaves within 10 months,” she says.  “I never felt rested or had energy no matter how much I slept,” she continued.

After three more sleep studies and an NAP study, Lisa was told she was not getting into REM (Rapid Eye Movement) or restful sleep.

“It really hit me at Christmas when I was so tired I couldn’t stay up past 7pm to spend time with my family,” she says.

Because Lisa was CPAP intolerant, her physician suggested she try a dental appliance for her sleep apnea.  “I had heard positive things from other people who had family or friends who were doing much better with their sleep apnea after using the dental device, so I decided to try it,” she continues.

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, “Only about 60% of CPAP users are still using the CPAP after the first few months.” Unfortunately this means that about 40% stop using their CPAP.  “Oral sleep appliances provide a comfortable alternative for patients who cannot wear CPAP,” says Dr. Rod Willey of the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Oral appliance therapy has come to the forefront as a very viable and scientifically based treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued a statement in the 2006 Journal SLEEP declaring that oral appliance therapy is an excellent treatment option for those suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and is proving to be effective for severe cases as well.  The purpose of the oral appliance is to hold the jaw in a position that allows the airway to remain as open and firm as possible during sleep, preventing snoring and sleep apnea.  Oral appliances are similar to athletic mouth guards, but less bulky and completely non-invasive. Oral Appliance Therapy is covered by most medical insurances and Medicare.

“I noticed an immediate difference in the first few nights of wearing the appliance,” says Lisa.  “I could breathe so much better and was feeling rested in the morning. I was even dreaming again.”

At her oral appliance consultation, Lisa was also screened and diagnosed with TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), a condition that can cause headaches, neck and facial pain, jaw popping, locked jaw, ringing in ears, teeth grinding, and more.

“For many years I had lived with intense headaches and facial pain and did not know that I had TMD,” says Lisa.

“Sleep apnea and TMD are often inter-related, and we find many patients suffer with both problems,” says Willey.

It’s only been a few months since Lisa was treated for sleep apnea and TMD, and she is no longer experiencing extreme fatigue, headaches, or depression.  She is able to return to normal life and has energy to work and spend time with her family and friends. “I have been able to quit taking most of my medications, and I no longer feel depressed. I have the energy from actually sleeping and getting quality rest thanks to my oral appliance,” says Lisa.  “My co-workers cannot believe the difference it’s made in my energy level and mood.  I tell them, it’s like having my life back.  I am so excited to finally be feeling energetic and happy again!  This has truly changed my life,” says Lisa.

For more information on dental treatment for sleep apnea and TMD please contact Dr. Bill Costaras or Dr. Rod Willey at the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine.  The Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine provides  snoring, sleep apnea, and TMJ Disorder treatment to the Peoria, East Peoria, Bloomington, Galesburg Illinois Areas.

Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

• You normally feel tired even after a full night of sleep.
• You experience consistent headaches in the morning.
• You snore loudly and frequently.
• You make choking or snorting sounds during sleep.
• You stop breathing during sleep.
• You suffer from depression or irritability.
• You have a family member who has sleep apnea.
• You have experienced unexplained weight gain or are having a hard time losing weight.
• You frequently get up to use the use the bathroom during the night.
• You have high blood pressure.
• You fall asleep while driving or during periods of daytime inactivity.
• Neck size of 17in+ (men) or 16in+ (women)
• Waist size of 40in+ (men) 36in+ (women)
• Body Mass Index (BMI) 30 (men) and 26 (women)
• You are woman with Hypothyroidism or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• You are a menopausal or postmenopausal woman.