Glen Ellyn, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/21/2016 -- Sleeping with a snoring bed partner can be annoying and unhealthy for both. Although snoring seems physically harmless, it may be a red flag for a much more serious and sometimes fatal condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This happens when the air passage deflates, blocking airflow into the lungs.

The exhausting sleep apnea cycle starts out by falling asleep, the jaw relaxing and the air passage collapsing. Then the brain struggles to rouse itself before suffocation, the person unconsciously awakens with a gasp and then falls back to sleep only to start the cycle again.

The sleep apnea never-ending cycle…

- drifting off to sleep
- jaw relaxing
- air passage collapsing
- the brain's struggle to rouse itself before suffocation
- unconsciously waking up along with a gasp
- going back to sleep only to start the cycle again

…may repeat itself fifty or even more times each hour during the night.

"What has been shown to be effective at silencing snoring and preventing OSA, is a lightweight oral dental device worn by the snorer like a mouthguard that I mold," explains Dr. Workman. The snore-stopping appliance helps the snorer keep the lower jaw positioned slightly forward, preventing the airway from closing and stopping the vibration of the soft tissues.

Dr. Workman will conduct an examination to see what is causing the OSA. The anatomic structure and airway level, which are most commonly involved in obstruction, are the soft palate and the oropharynx (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth).

Snorers and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients suffer health risks that they are unaware of or are not overly concerned about. The risks attributed to sleep apnea and loud snoring:

- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart failure, irregular heartbeats and heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Worsening of ADHD
- Headaches

Dr. Workman explains the risks to his patients, makes them aware of the problem and points out the need for concern.

About Dr. Workman
Dr. Workman helps new clients achieve better oral health; feel more attractive and confident by creating the most beautiful smile they have ever had in their life. He teaches other doctors the principles of providing the finest care possible for their patients who want the very best.

To make an appointment with Dr. Workman, call 630-469-3558.