Most people don't give a second thought to getting a good nights sleep. Unless they or their partner is a loud snorer.

Snoring is just one sign of a potential serious sleep disorder.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious and lifelong medical condition that affects between 18 and 30 million adults worldwide. It has been linked to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, work and driving related accidents and can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can place unnecessary strain on relationships between bed partners, family and in the workplace.

So what exactly is sleep apnea, you might ask?

During sleep, oral muscles can relax, and cause your soft tissue to vibrate (commonly known as snoring) or it may completely collapse causing you to stop breathing. A sleep apnea oral appliance is a custom-fitted dental device developed for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

It is an effective, comfortable, and durable alternative to CPAP therapy or corrective surgery. If you think you or someone you may know might benefit from this form of therapy, it is recommended to consult with your family doctor or a dental professional.

Evan R Perkins DD is a Denturist and the owner of Blue Fern Denture Clinic. He has attended and participated in many courses on sleep disorders and provides antisnoring and sleep apnea oral devices at his Airdrie clinic.