Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Dr. Steiner is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

He is working with sleep physicians to treat patients diagnosed with Snoring and Sleep Apnea. The Academy of Sleep Medicine has approved CPAP as treatment for sleep disorders. They also approved oral appliances as treatment for mild and moderate apnea and for certain patients with severe apnea.

Sleep is a basic necessity of life, as important to our health and well-being as air, food and water. When we sleep well, we wake up feeling refreshed, alert and ready to face daily challenges. When we don't, every part of our lives can suffer. Our jobs, relationships, productivity, health and safety (and that of those around us) are all put at risk. And lack of sleep due to sleep loss or sleep disorders is taking a serious toll.

Approximately 70 million people in the United States are affected by a sleep problem. About 40 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorders, and an additional 20-30 million are affected by intermittent sleep-related problems. However, an overwhelming majority of sleep disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated. (National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, 1992)

More than two-thirds of all children (69%) experience one or more sleep problems at least a few nights a week (2004 Sleep in America poll). Two-thirds of older adults (67%) report frequent sleep problems, however only a small fraction, one in eight, says those problems have been diagnosed (2003 Sleep in America poll).

Feel free to print this test and bring it to us or take it to your sleep physician.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations?
Choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
0 = would never doze
1 = slight chance of dozing
2 = moderate chance of dozing
3 = high chance of dozing

Activity	Score
Sitting and Reading	_____
Watching TV	_____
Sitting, inactive in a public place (theater, meeting, etc.)	_____
As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break	_____
Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit	_____
Sitting and talking to someone	_____
Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol	_____
In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic	_____
Total	_____

A score of 9 or above indicates you may be having a problem with daytime sleepiness but below 9 does not necessarily mean that you don't have a problem. See your healthcare professional for advice if you snore, have been told that you awake gasping for breath or if you are sleepy during the day.

For more information go to www.aadsm.org.

For an appointment contact us at (888) 385-1309 or request an appointment online by clicking on the button below.