Unlocking Sleep

It is widely known that sleep disturbances can set off a cascade of health problems. Because sleep is a time when our brains self-regulate, any interruptions during this period can result in mood disturbances, cardiac problems, even glaucoma.

The science of sleep has become an active area in medical technology. New devices to combat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are constantly surfacing, including an innovative new device designed to keep the tongue “awake”:

The device is activated at bedtime. A small electrode embedded under the tongue sends a slight electrical signal to the muscles, keeping them stimulated and toned.

This prevents the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway.

Why go to such lengths? Because getting a good night’s sleep continues to be associated with new, positive health effects. Just this week, scientists announced that relieving sleep apnea can actually help some of the victims of PTSD:

A new study has revealed that treating sleep apnea can help to reduce some symptoms of PTSD, specifically nightmares and sleep difficulties characteristic of the disorder. . . By treating the major symptoms of sleep apnea, sleep cycles disturbances are not able to affect those with PTSD and other anxiety disorders as profoundly.

(And of course there is this dubious but entertaining correlation between sleep and everyday life.)

It all adds up to a concerted effort to make sleep regulation a national priority, and to reduce the incidence of labored breathing and snoring. Of course there is just one permanent way to address such issues: oral, nasal and sinus surgery, including procedures as septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery which can have a profound and lasting effect.

If you’d like to set up your own sinus surgery consultation for snoring or obstructive sleep apnea today, please contact my L.A. sinus surgery offices here.

Tags: devices, septoplasty, sinus surgery, sleep apnea, snoring, studies, turbinate reduction surgery