A recent study released at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2022 has revealed some pretty interesting data. It seems that seven out of ten cardiovascular conditions could be prevented if we were all better sleepers. Imagine that!Well simple, right? Put down that phone or tablet, turn off the tv, dim the lights and hit the hay and you’ll live forever. Well, not so fast. For starters, sleep is just part of the equation here, but it does raise some interesting points. Sleep is as important to the body as breathing if you really think about it. Sleep deprivation can really do a number on us physically and mentally. It’s no wonder that getting adequate sleep can be so beneficial.But again, a good night’s sleep is easier said than done, especially if you suffer from a sleep disorder such as insomnia or sleep apnea.Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the affected person wakes repeatedly throughout the night, stopping and restarting breathing as they attempt to sleep.  This can cause a whole host of medical problems such as cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. It can also worsen and contribute to many medical problems including cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.Unfortunately, if left untreated, attempting to sleep with a condition like sleep apnea is often an exercise in futility. That’s why you need a solution that works. While in the past doctors have been quick to recommend CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy for patients with sleep apnea, CPAP is simply not all it's cracked up to be solution-wise. That’s because many of those who use a CPAP machine don’t use it as prescribed.Why? Well, for starters CPAP machines can be uncomfortable. They work by forcing air into the airway to prop it open. Some users find this uncomfortable and won’t use the machine because of it. For others, they simply don’t like wearing the awkward CPAP mask, and others don’t like the complicated machinery, cleaning the tubing, or have other reasons CPAP just doesn’t work for them.  Not to mention that recently a bunch of CPAP machines were recalled, leaving some users without a machine at all.Thankfully, Dr. Peterson offers a sleep apnea solution that will help you get a good night’s sleep without the use of CPAP. These orthotic sleep devices fit comfortably into the mouth and manually position the airway open without the use of electricity or forced air. This allows the user to breathe without the use of tubing, masks, or machinery and is generally deemed more comfortable and thus used more frequently than CPAP.To learn more about orthotic devices, please contact Dr. Peterson’s office today, and start getting the sleep you deserve.