New Jersey Sleep Breathing Disorders Center Concerned that Weight Gain is Associated with Sleep Apnea

2009-07-15 03:45:19 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness, Press Releases)

New Jersey, (WiredPRNews.com) — According to a research abstract that will be presented at Sleep 2009 link exists between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and weight gain. Find out more about sleep apnea treatment at www.ihatecpap.com' target=_blank>centralnj.ihatecpap.com

According to lead author Mark Brown, MD, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, people suffering from more severe Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA) may be more likely to gain more weight than those with less severe OSA over time.

Founder and Director of the Sleep Breathing Disorders Center, part of The Atlantic Center for Advanced Dentistry Dr. John Bixby is improving lives in Central New Jersey with custom night-use oral appliances that keep the airway open, ensuring a restful night sleep and lowering his patients’ risk of stroke, heart disease, and sleep-related car accidents.

Sleep apnea is a serious illness most often characterized by snoring, gasping for breath and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is implicated in many disorders including high blood pressure, changes in insulin resistance and a six fold increase in heart attacks and strokes. CPAP is the Gold Standard of treatment for sleep apnea and is very effective. Patients with moderate apnea who have untreated sleep apnea have a 36% decrease in 8 year survival compared to treated patients according to studies in the journal SLEEP.

The problem is that only “23-45% of patients prescribed CPAP actually use it regularly while the majority of obstructive sleep apnea patients do not” and this places these patients at greater risk for heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that patients with untreated sleep apnea are at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes when sleeping than when exercising.

Medical studies have shown that even patients who use their CPAP average only 4-5 hours a night not the recommended 7 1/2 - 8 hours. Recent studies have shown that patients who tolerate CPAP well from the beginning of treatment tend to continue treatment and patients who HATE CPAP or do not tolerate it at the start of treatment rarely embrace CPAP use.

The online sleep medicine resource- www.IHATECPAP.com – founded by Dr Ira L Shapira of Gurnee, Illinois- promotes sleep medicine and emotionally connects with patients who have abandoned CPAP treatment due to negative experiences. Dr. Shapira points out that the online site and marketing program does not ‘hate’ CPAP, however many patients do which is why the site and program’s name attracts thousands of patients and family members in search of a CPAP alternatives that can improve their sleep, health and prolong their lives.

The Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine supports the use of lightweight easy to use dental appliances that eliminates the inconvenience of carrying CPAP equipment when traveling and gives rest to those folks who don’t like or want a CPAP.

Dedicated to offering his patients the benefits of advanced dentistry, Dr. John Bixby is committed to continuing education. Over the past 30 years, he has completed many courses in various aspects of general dentistry, sleep disorders, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, including LVI’s Sleep Breathing Disorders Program.

Dr. John Bixby earned his doctor of dental medicine degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1974. He is certified in laser dentistry, is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, a Diplomat in the American Society of Forensic Dentists, also a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and Dental Organization for Sleep Apnea.

Contact Dr. John Bixby at: http://www.CentralNJ.IHateCPAP.com or in the find a dentist section of ihatecpap.com or call 732-224-1160.