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by Doug Smith, a licensed professional counselor and family therapist and director of the Community Counseling Center in Lewisville Printed in Lewisville News (Texas), November 22, 1998 |
Almost everyone has some uncle, or cousin, or dad whose snoring is legendary.
Indeed, we often joke about these people and tell
stories of how their snoring actually vibrates walls. However, for
many couples - and families - this is no joking matter, as snoring often
deprives others of sleep and often leads to couples having to sleep in
separate bedrooms.
Snoring is frequently, though not always,
associated with what is now a medically diagnosed sleep disorder called
sleep apnea.
I want to tell my story as it may be of help to
you.
For the past 12 to 14 years I have had trouble
sleeping, waking up many times during the night and rarely having a night
when I really slept well. My wife has been telling me for
years that I stop breathing and then gasp to start breathing again,
thereby awakening myself.
I recall visiting a physician 9 years ago who
assured me I really had no problem and just did not require a lot of
sleep.
Then, three years ago, another physician tried to
assure me that sleep apnea was rare and that I probably did not have it.
However, over a year ago, still another local
physician told me that he had been treated successfully for sleep apnea
and that I needed to look into it post haste because the consequences of
not doing so might be dire.
I took my doctor seriously and quickly underwent
a sleep study in order to determine my situation and was diagnosed with
severe obstructive sleep apnea. The normal medical treatment for
sleep apnea is to use what is called a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP)
device in order to keep airways open.
I then tried for a year to become accustomed to this
very intrusive apparatus. I have heard many similar experiences,
though some persons have had success with the CPAP treatment, including my
physician.
Recently, however, I discovered that there is a
dental appliance that used for treating this problem though new friends of
mine who produce a national newsletter concerning this and other problems
treated through dentistry, including snoring and TMJ pain.
As a result, I went to see a dentist in Tyler,
Dr. Bryan Blevins, who my friends recommend highly.
Since I do not have unlimited space in my column,
let me say simply that the results have been astounding and successful.
I am extremely pleased with the care I have
received from Dr. Blevins and his wife.
I am sleeping much better and can even recall
dreaming as I am getting into deeper sleep.
I consider being able to sleep again to be one of
the major breakthroughs of my life.
I urge you, if you or one of your loved ones have
this problem, or even a serious snoring problem, to please call me and I
will give you the information I have available.
I have learned that this disorder left untreated
leaves you with a 5 to 7 times higher probability of having a stroke.
In addition a case can be made that this disorder
can also contribute to cardiac difficulties.
As my physician said to me, do not delay.
Dr. Bryan O. Blevins |