In life, we often take many risks without even realizing it. Every time you take a drive, puff a cigarette, or eat a high-sugar diet, you are potentially harming your health. Even letting excessive stress or anxiety can be bad for you.

Naturally, you want to mitigate these risks. Using a seatbelt, quitting smoking, and reducing your sugar intake are all great ways to help address the dangers of these activities. But did you know that there are other dangers that could be lurking in your body?

We’re talking specifically about obstructive sleep apnea, an illness which affects an estimated 18 million Americans. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes obstructed while you sleep. This can cause snoring, gasping for air, choking, repeated waking, oxygen deprivation, and more. It can even contribute to dangerous diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Recently, a study was conducted on mice to measure the effects of obstructive sleep apnea on Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers concluded that a lack of oxygen to the brain during sleep can worsen Alzheimer’s symptoms. This is because the human brain requires oxygen to function. In fact, the brain uses roughly one-fifth of the body’s oxygen supply. When that supply is diminished due to obstructive sleep apnea, it cannot function properly, increasing your Alzheimer’s risk as you struggle to take in air.

Thankfully, there are solutions to obstructive sleep apnea that you may not have considered. Often, sleep apnea patients are prescribed something called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, which requires the patient to wear an uncomfortable and awkward mask while they sleep. The mask forces air into the airway, propping it open to allow for better nighttime breathing. Unfortunately, many patients simply do not like CPAP therapy, and as a result don’t use their machine on a regular basis. This can be extremely dangerous.

For those who do not want to attempt CPAP therapy, or are tired of the complicated machinery, hard to clean tubing, or are even waiting to have their recalled CPAP machine replaced, Dr. Peterson offers a viable solution.

A custom sleep orthotic from Dr. Peterson requires no mask, no tubing, no confusing machinery, and no electricity. It is easy to clean, and is custom fit to your individual mouth. Patients who have tried orthotic devices are generally happier with this treatment than CPAP therapy, and thus more likely to use their device, improving their sleep and the levels of oxygen delivered to the brain.

Dr. Peterson offers these devices, and is happy to discuss whether you are a good candidate for this comfortable and easy solution. To learn more about orthotic sleep devices, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Peterson today!