Researchers, using 10 years of data from the nation’s National Health Insurance Research Database, compared 8,600 sleep apnea-suffering adults against four times as many people with similar demographics who do not have sleep apnea.
Among those with sleep apnea, the researchers discovered 157 new cases of chronic kidney disease. However, in the non-sleep apnea control group of approximately 34,000 people, chronic kidney disease showed in only 298 cases. Overall, the researchers concluded that sleep apnea resulted in a 58% increase in the risk of kidney disease.
Sleep apnea is caused when the airway is blocked, halting breathing. Snoring and restless nights may be symptoms, but a severe form of the condition can cause even greater health risks, as evidenced by this study.
The most common way to treat sleep apnea is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. This method is effective, but many patients dislike being hooked to a machine that forces air into their mouth all night, every night.
Fortunately, Dr. Michael Adler offers an effective sleep apnea treatment alternative – a custom-made oral appliance called the MicrO2. This device works by moving the jaw into a position where breathing can take place uninterrupted. Because the MicrO2 appliance fits into the mouth with minimum bulk, you will feel much more comfortable than with a CPAP mask strapped over your face.
If think you may suffer from sleep apnea, please contact Adler Advanced Dentistry using the form on this page or call today to schedule a sleep apnea diagnostic evaluation. We serve patients in Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins and the surrounding areas of the Front Range in Colorado.
