Free radical formation in sleep apnea is a serious problem. Each episode of apnea or hypopnea leads to a decrease in oxygenation and the formation of free radicals in tissues and fluids of the body. When oxygenation occurs the free radicals combine with the oxygen and create more free radicals in an ongoing cascade. Anti-oxidants can remove free radicals from the system but preventing the formation is the ideal.
CPAP is considered the Gold Standard of treatment for Sleep Apnea but unfortunately only 23-45% of patients tolerate it. Patients use CPAP an average of only 4-5 hours leaving hours of sleep to continue making free radicals. Oral appliances are a comfortable alternative to CPAP that are preferred by most patients given a choice between the two therapies. Both treatments will prevent formation of free radicals associated with sleep disordered breathing.
Information about the dangers of Sleep Apnea and about Dental Sleep Medicine and the use of oral appliances can be found at http://www.ihatecpap.com
Sleep apnea is considered a TMJ disorder the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
