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Sleep Disorders: Finding Relief with Expert Care from Sleep Disorder Doctors in Encino and Los Angeles

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Sleep Disorders: Finding Relief with Expert Care from Sleep Disorder Doctors in Encino and Los Angeles

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Tossing, turning, and counting sheep - we've all been there, desperately seeking solace in the arms of sleep while the world around us succumbs to peaceful slumber. But this nightly ritual can turn into an elusive quest for rest for those grappling with persistent sleep disorders. Fear not, for at Mgorman Dental, we bring you the key to unlocking the secrets of sweet slumber! Our team of skilled sleep disorder doctors Encino and Los Angeles offers is armed with the expertise to banish those sleepless nights and rejuvenate your days. Say goodbye to tired mornings and hello to a brighter, well-rested tomorrow!

Understanding Sleep Disorders

1. Sleep disorders encompass a range of conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns and impact a person's ability to get sufficient restorative sleep. Several common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.

2. Sleep apnea is a particularly prevalent disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep, reducing oxygen flow to the brain and body.

3. Promptly seeking treatment for sleep disorders is crucial, as they can lead to various health problems such as daytime exhaustion, reduced cognitive abilities, and increased risks of chronic illnesses such as hypertension and heart disease.

Consulting a Sleep Disorder Doctor in Encino and Los Angeles

1: When you experience persistent sleep troubles, it's time to consult a sleep disorder doctor Los Angeles . At Mgorman Dental, our team of skilled sleep specialists will conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify the underlying causes of your sleep issues. Whether diagnosing sleep apnea through a sleep study or exploring non-invasive treatments for insomnia, the experts will customize their approach to fit your specific requirements.

2: Our sleep disorder doctors in Encino and Los Angeles are well-versed in the latest advancements in sleep medicine. They combine their expertise with state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. From recommending lifestyle changes to prescribing appropriate medications or therapies, our specialists are committed to helping you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.

3: At Mgorman Dental, we understand that each patient has unique sleep-related concerns. Our sleep disorder doctors offer personalized care, considering individual factors such as medical history, sleep habits, and lifestyle. The experts improve your sleep quality by targeting the root cause of your disorder.

Sleep disorders can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being if left untreated. Seeking help from a qualified sleep disorder doctor in Encino and Los Angeles is the first step towards reclaiming your sleep health. At Mgorman Dental, our experienced specialists are dedicated to providing top-notch care and effective solutions for various sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Don't let sleep troubles hinder your life; take charge of your sleep health today!
Reference National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). Sleep Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-disorders

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Sleep Disorders: Finding Relief with Expert Care from Sleep Disorder Doctors in Encino and Los Angeles

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Tossing, turning, and counting sheep - we've all been there, desperately seeking solace in the arms of sleep while the world around us succu...

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Revolutionizing Sleep Disorder Care: Your Trusted Sleep Disorder Doctor in Encino and Los Angeles

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Revolutionizing Sleep Disorder Care: Your Trusted Sleep Disorder Doctor in Encino and Los Angeles

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Finding a reliable sleep disorder doctor becomes crucial when sleep disorders are rising. If you're in the Encino or Los Angeles area and seeking expert care for sleep disorders or sleep apnea, look no further than http://mgormandental.com/ . Dr. Michael Gorman, a renowned sleep apnea specialist, is at the forefront of revolutionizing sleep disorder treatment, ensuring you regain restful nights and revitalized days.

Comprehensive Sleep Disorder Care: The Doc practice offers comprehensive care for sleep disorders, addressing concerns ranging from insomnia to sleep apnea. Considering your unique medical history and lifestyle, you can find tailored solutions with his expertise.

Cutting-Edge Treatments: As a leading sleep apnea specialist in Los Angeles, Dr. Gorman employs cutting-edge treatments with remarkable success rates. These treatments alleviate symptoms and target the underlying causes of sleep disorders, promoting lasting results.

Personalized Approach: Every individual's sleep disorder journey is different. Dr. Gorman understands this and takes a personalized approach to each patient. From accurate diagnosis to creating a customized treatment plan, you can expect care that is as unique as you are.

Expert Care Tailored to You

1: Addressing the Growing Concern

The hustle and bustle of modern life has led to a surge in sleep disorders, affecting individuals of all ages. Recognizing this concern, Dr. Michael Gorman has established himself as a sought-after sleep disorder doctor in Encino and Los Angeles. With years of experience and a deep understanding of sleep-related issues, Dr. Gorman is dedicated to helping patients overcome challenges and reclaim their well-deserved rest.

2: A Path to Restful Nights

Dr. Gorman's practice is a beacon of hope for those struggling with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Combining his expertise with state-of-the-art treatments, he offers innovative solutions catering to diverse needs. Through meticulous evaluation and diagnosis, Dr. Gorman determines the most appropriate interventions, including lifestyle adjustments, specialized dental appliances, or other advanced therapies.

3: Empowering Lives through Healthy Sleep

In a world where sleep deprivation is often worn as a badge of honor, Dr. Gorman reminds us of healthy sleep's profound impact on our overall well-being. As a sleep apnea specialist in Los Angeles, he treats the symptoms and empowers individuals to embrace healthier sleep habits for life. His patient-centric approach fosters understanding and collaboration, creating a partnership beyond the clinic walls.

Sleep disorders needn't define your life. You can journey towards better sleep and improved quality of life with Dr. Michael Gorman's expertise and compassionate care. Visit http://mgormandental.com/ to learn more about how his revolutionary approach to sleep disorder treatment can make a positive impact. Reclaim your nights and awaken to brighter, more energized days.
Reference: National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). Sleep Apnea. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea

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Revolutionizing Sleep Disorder Care: Your Trusted Sleep Disorder Doctor in Encino and Los Angeles

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Finding a reliable sleep disorder doctor becomes crucial when sleep disorders are rising. If you're in the Encino or Los Angeles area and se...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Get Restful Sleep and Stop Snoring with M Gorman Dental - Your Sleep Apnea Specialist and Snoring Doctor in Los Angeles, CA

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Get Restful Sleep and Stop Snoring with M Gorman Dental - Your Sleep Apnea Specialist and Snoring Doctor in Los Angeles, CA

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Unveiling Better Sleep: Leading Sleep Disorder Doctors and Sleep Apnea Specialists in Los Angeles…

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Awaken to Restful Nights: Meet Our Expert Sleep Disorder Doctors and Sleep Apnea Specialists in Los Angeles!

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Look no further! M Gorman Dental offers top-notch snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment In Encino, CA, designed to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.

Understanding the significance of quality sleep, M Gorman Dental is dedicated to providing effective solutions for snoring and sleep apnea. Our dental practice is led by Dr. M Gorman, an experienced and compassionate dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep-related issues. We take a personalized approach to cater to each patient's unique needs, ensuring you receive the most suitable treatment for a good night's sleep.

Our state-of-the-art facility in Encino, CA, is equipped with advanced technology and a team of highly trained professionals. Dr. M Gorman utilizes the latest techniques and dental appliances to address snoring and sleep apnea, helping you and your loved ones enjoy peaceful, uninterrupted sleep. We take the time to listen to your concerns and conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify the root cause of your sleep troubles.

At M Gorman Dental, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our patients by addressing their sleep-related issues effectively. With our expertise and dedication to patient care, we have earned the trust of countless individuals seeking relief from snoring and sleep apnea. Rest assured, and your sleep health is in capable hands when you choose M Gorman Dental.

If you or a loved one suffer from snoring or sleep apnea, don't let it affect your well-being and daily life. M Gorman Dental offers expert snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment In Encino, CA, focusing on personalized care and effective solutions. Dr. M Gorman and our skilled team are committed to providing the highest dental care to improve sleep quality and overall health. Visit our Encino, CA, dental practice to experience the difference firsthand and take the first step toward restful nights and rejuvenated mornings. Trust M Gorman Dental to be the right choice for your sleep apnea and snoring treatment needs.

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Say Goodbye to Sleep Troubles: Trust the Expert Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Encino, CA at...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Look no further! M Gorman Dental offers top-notch snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment In Encino, CA, designed to improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Understanding the significance of quality...

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Discover Restful Sleep and Relief from Sleep Disorders with M Gorman Dental - Your Trusted Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino

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Discover Restful Sleep and Relief from Sleep Disorders with M Gorman Dental - Your Trusted Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino

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Discover Restful Sleep and Relief from TMJ Disorders with M Gorman Dental — Your Trusted Sleep…

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Get Restful Sleep and Stop Snoring with M Gorman Dental - Your Sleep Apnea Specialist and Snoring Doctor in Los Angeles, CA

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Get Restful Sleep and Stop Snoring with M Gorman Dental - Your Sleep Apnea Specialist and Snoring Doctor in Los Angeles, CA

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Find Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment and Snoring Solutions at M Gorman Dental – Your Trusted Snoring Doctor in Los Angeles, CA

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Find Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment and Snoring Solutions at M Gorman Dental – Your Trusted Snoring Doctor in Los Angeles, CA

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.headline
Find Expert Sleep Apnea Specialists in Los Angeles and Encino at M Gorman Dental

# data[].attributes.subject
Find Expert Sleep Apnea Specialists in Los Angeles and Encino at M Gorman Dental

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.headline
Expert Sleep Disorder Doctors in Los Angeles and Encino: Restoring Restful Nights at M Gorman Dental

# data[].attributes.subject
Expert Sleep Disorder Doctors in Los Angeles and Encino: Restoring Restful Nights at M Gorman Dental

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Don't let sleep disorders hold you back from enjoying a well-rested life. At M Gorman Dental, our experienced sleep disorder doctors in Encino and Los Angeles have the latest knowledge and treatment options to address your sleep concerns. Get ready to wake up refreshed and energized.

Experience the transformative power of quality sleep with our sleep disorder doctors in Los Angeles and Encino. At M Gorman Dental, our dedicated professionals, including renowned sleep apnea specialists, are committed to helping you overcome sleep disorders and regain your well-deserved rest.

Trust the expertise of our Sleep Disorder Doctors In Los Angeles and Encino to provide personalized solutions tailored to your specific needs. Discover the difference that a good night's sleep can make at M Gorman Dental.

M Gorman Dental is your trusted destination for sleep disorder care in Los Angeles and Encino. We understand the impact of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and insomnia, on your overall health and quality of life. That's why our team of experienced sleep disorder doctors is dedicated to providing comprehensive evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatment options.

At M Gorman Dental, our sleep disorder doctors in Los Angeles and Encino are highly skilled in addressing various sleep disorders. From sleep apnea to snoring and restless leg syndrome, we employ the latest diagnostic techniques and advanced treatment modalities to help you achieve restful sleep. Our sleep apnea specialists are specially trained to identify and address the underlying causes of sleep apnea, ensuring effective and long-lasting results.

When it comes to sleep disorder care, M Gorman Dental is the right choice for patients in Los Angeles and Encino. Our commitment to patient-centered care, state-of-the-art facilities, and a compassionate approach sets us apart. Every individual deserves a good night's sleep, and we strive to provide tailored solutions that improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

If you're seeking expert sleep disorder, care in Los Angeles or Encino, look no further than M Gorman Dental. Our team of sleep disorder doctors, including sleep apnea specialists, is dedicated to helping you achieve restful nights and energized days. Don't let sleep disorders hold you back any longer. Contact M Gorman Dental today and take the first step toward reclaiming your sleep and revitalizing your life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Expert Sleep Disorder Doctors in Los Angeles and Encino: Restoring Restful Nights at M Gorman...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Don't let sleep disorders hold you back from enjoying a well-rested life. At M Gorman Dental, our experienced sleep disorder doctors in Encino and Los Angeles have the latest knowledge and treatment...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.headline
Reclaim Restful Nights and Relieve Jaw Pain: Meet the Top Sleep Apnea Doctor in Los Angeles - M Gorman Dental

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Reclaim Restful Nights and Relieve Jaw Pain: Meet the Top Sleep Apnea Doctor in Los Angeles - M Gorman Dental

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorder Doctor in Los Angeles: Discover Quality Care at M Gorman Dental

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Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorder Doctor in Los Angeles: Discover Quality Care at M Gorman Dental

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Look no further than M Gorman Dental. Our experienced team specializes in providing top-quality care for patients suffering from sleep-related issues. From diagnosing and treating sleep apnea to addressing various sleep disorders, we are dedicated to improving your sleep health and overall well-being.

At M Gorman Dental, we understand the impact that sleep disorders can have on your daily life. Our expert team, led by Dr. M Gorman, combines advanced technology and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve better sleep and regain vitality. With our comprehensive range of services, we are committed to being your trusted partner in improving your sleep quality.

If you are searching for a reliable sleep apnea doctor in Los Angeles, M Gorman Dental is your premier destination. Our skilled team of professionals specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, a common condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. With advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options tailored to your specific needs, we aim to provide effective solutions that alleviate your symptoms and promote better sleep.

At M Gorman Dental, we understand that sleep disorders can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life. As a leading sleep disorder doctor in Encino and Los Angeles, Dr. M Gorman and our team are dedicated to helping you overcome sleep-related challenges. Whether you are dealing with insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or other sleep disorders, we offer comprehensive evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans to improve your sleep health.

Choosing M Gorman Dental means choosing a Sleep Disorder Doctor In Los Angeles who prioritizes your well-being. Our patient-centered approach focuses on delivering exceptional care tailored to your unique needs. With state-of-the-art technology, a compassionate team, and a commitment to excellence, we strive to provide our patients with the highest service and support.

Regarding sleep apnea and sleep disorder care in Los Angeles, M Gorman Dental is the right choice. With our expertise, advanced technology, and personalized treatment plans, we are dedicated to helping you achieve restful and rejuvenating sleep. Don't let sleep-related issues affect your quality of life any longer. Contact M Gorman Dental today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better sleep health.

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Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorder Doctor in Los Angeles: Discover Quality Care at M Gorman Dental

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Look no further than M Gorman Dental. Our experienced team specializes in providing top-quality care for patients suffering from sleep-related issues. From diagnosing and treating sleep apnea to...

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Transforming Sleep Health in Encino: Mgorman Dental Takes the Lead

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Transforming Sleep Health in Encino: Mgorman Dental Takes the Lead

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The Sleep-Dental Connection: Exploring How Dental Health Affects Your Sleep

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The Sleep-Dental Connection: Exploring How Dental Health Affects Your Sleep

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Sleep disorders can significantly impact our overall well-being and quality of life. Conditions like restless nights and daytime drowsiness can significantly impact physical and mental health. However, did you know there may be a surprising connection between sleep disorders and dental health? In this article, brought to you by Mgorman Dental, a trusted resource for dental care in Los Angeles where you can find the best Sleep Disorder Doctor Los Angeles has to offer, we explore this intriguing relationship and shed light on how addressing dental issues can potentially alleviate sleep disorders.

Sleep Bruxism: This condition refers to teeth grinding or clenching during sleep. Having dental issues can lead to the development of sleep conditions like insomnia and sleep apnea. The strain on the jaw joints and muscles during bruxism can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced sleep quality.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD): TMD affects the joints and muscles, causing pain, clicking sounds, and limited jaw movement. Research suggests that TMD may be linked to sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and sleep-related breathing disorders. Treating TMD can help alleviate the associated sleep disturbances.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Obstructive sleep apnea, commonly known as OSA, is a sleep disorder that frequently occurs and causes repeated breathing interruptions while sleeping due to a blocked or narrowed airway. Dental issues such as misaligned teeth, a small jaw, or an overbite can contribute to developing or worsening OSA. A dental practitioner specialized in sleep disorder treatment can offer patients oral appliances that maintain an open airway during sleep.

Oral Appliance Therapy: Specialized dentists can offer custom-fitted oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw or tongue, keeping the airway open during sleep and alleviating sleep disorders. These devices are a non-invasive alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, offering convenience and increased patient comfort.

Dental Corrections: Addressing dental issues such as misaligned teeth, malocclusions, or TMD can improve sleep quality. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners, can help realign the teeth and jaws, improving breathing and reducing the risk of sleep disorders.

Nightguards and Splints: Dentists can create custom nightguards or splints for individuals suffering from bruxism to protect the teeth and alleviate stress on the jaw joints. These appliances provide a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing enamel wear and reducing the likelihood of associated sleep disruptions.

Empowering Better Sleep through Dental Care Recognizing the interconnectedness of sleep disorders and dental health opens new avenues for comprehensive treatment and improved well-being. Mgorman Dental, committed to providing exceptional dental care in Los Angeles, offers specialized services to address sleep-related dental issues. By seeking professional dental intervention, individuals can enhance their sleep quality, alleviate symptoms of sleep disorders, and awaken refreshed to embrace each day with vitality.

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The Sleep-Dental Connection: Exploring How Dental Health Affects Your Sleep

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Sleep disorders can significantly impact our overall well-being and quality of life. Conditions like restless nights and daytime drowsiness can significantly impact physical and mental health...

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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The Rise of Personalized Sleep Apnea Treatments in Los Angeles

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The Rise of Personalized Sleep Apnea Treatments in Los Angeles

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Telemedicine Revolutionizing Sleep Apnea Care at Mgorman Dental

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Telemedicine Revolutionizing Sleep Apnea Care at Mgorman Dental

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Telemedicine Revolutionizing Sleep Apnea Care at Mgorman Dental

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Healthcare has been transformed by telemedicine, which offers convenience and accessibility to needy patients in recent years. Regarding…

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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The Sleep Apnea Specialist in Encino: Diagnosis & Treatment

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The Sleep Apnea Specialist in Encino: Diagnosis & Treatment

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Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality, leading to serious health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, Sleep Apnea Specialists in Encino, California offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options to help sufferers get the rest they need while keeping their overall health in check. In this article, we will discuss the various types of sleep apnea, its symptoms, and how it can affect your sleep quality. We will also explore the different kinds of treatments available for sleep apnea from Encino-based doctors specializing in this condition as well as why seeking out a trained specialist may be beneficial compared to other locations. By understanding more about this common sleep disorder and what professionals can do to help treat it effectively, you'll be able to make an informed decision when it comes time to seek help from a qualified professional for your specific needs.
How sleep apnea affects sleep quality and overall health
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality. It is characterized by pauses in breathing while asleep, which causes oxygen levels to drop in the body. This can be very dangerous as it can lead to an increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and more. It can also lead to sleepiness during the day, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, irritability, and mood swings.
Available sleep apnea treatments offered by specialists in Encino, California
Sleep apnea specialists in Encino, California offer a wide range of sleep apnea treatments that can help patients sleep more soundly and improve their overall health. The most common sleep apnea treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which uses a device to provide a steady stream of pressurized air that keeps the patient's airway open throughout the sleep cycle. Other treatments include customized dental appliances, sleep positioners, lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol and smoking, and even surgery in some cases.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can have serious consequences if left untreated. It's important to seek help from specialized sleep apnea specialists in Encino, California who understand the condition and know how best to treat it. By taking advantage of available treatments such as CPAP therapy, dental appliances, lifestyle changes, and even surgery where necessary, sleep apnea sufferers are able to improve their sleep quality while also reducing the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues associated with this sleep disorder. With the right treatment plan tailored specifically for your needs by an experienced sleep specialist in Encino you'll be on your way to getting better restful nights of sleep and improved overall health soon!

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The Sleep Apnea Specialist in Encino: Diagnosis & Treatment

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Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality, leading to serious health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, Sleep Apnea Specialists in Encino , California offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options to help sufferers get the rest they need while keeping their overall health in check.

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Enhancing Your Quality of Life with Early Detection and Treatment of Sleep Apnea

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Enhancing Your Quality of Life with Early Detection and Treatment of Sleep Apnea

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Los Angeles Doctor's Guide To Dealing With Problematic Snoring

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Los Angeles Doctor's Guide To Dealing With Problematic Snoring

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Snoring can be disruptive and embarrassing, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you're experiencing frequent snoring, it's important to seek help from a Snoring Doctor in Los Angeles who specializes in this area. From lifestyle changes and medications to surgery, there is a range of treatments available that could reduce or eliminate your snoring symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the different treatments available for those suffering from problematic snoring as well as provide tips on how to minimize instances of snoring. By taking steps now to address your snoring issue, you may be able to avoid more serious medical complications down the line.

Snoring is a common issue that affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the flow of air from the nose and mouth to the lungs becomes obstructed due to soft tissue obstructing the airway. This obstruction can cause a range of sounds, from mild snoring to loud, disruptive noises. It's important to note that snoring is not always indicative of an underlying medical problem, but frequent snoring can be a sign of a serious health issue. For example, sleep apnea, which is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, is often associated with loud snoring.

Snoring can be disruptive, embarrassing, and a sign of an underlying medical condition. Seeking help from a doctor in Los Angeles who specializes in this area is one of the best ways to get to the bottom of your snoring issue. A doctor can provide you with a thorough assessment, review any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your snoring, and provide you with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your particular needs. Whether it's lifestyle changes, medications, or even surgery, a doctor's evaluation can help you find the best option for reducing instances of snoring.

It's important to remember that snoring is not always indicative of an underlying medical problem, but it can be a sign of something more serious. If you are experiencing frequent or disruptive snoring, seeking help from a doctor in Los Angeles who specializes in this area may be the best way to get to the bottom of your issue and find relief. A doctor can provide you with an assessment and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs so that you can reduce instances of snoring and improve your overall health and well-being. With proper care, you may even be able to avoid any long-term complications associated with untreated snoring issues.

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Los Angeles Doctor's Guide To Dealing With Problematic Snoring

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Snoring can be disruptive and embarrassing, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you're experiencing frequent snoring, it's important to seek help from a Snoring Doctor in Los Angeles who specializes in this area.

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When to Call a Doctor About Sleep Disorders

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When to Call a Doctor About Sleep Disorders

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Some sleep disorders are serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor. If you're having trouble sleeping, and it's affecting your quality of life, make an appointment with a Sleep Disorder Specialist. Here are some signs that it might be time to see a sleep doctor:

-You can't fall asleep at night, or you wake up frequently during the night and can't get back to sleep.

-You sleep for eight hours or more but still feel exhausted during the day.

-Your partner says you snore loudly, or you wake yourself up with your snoring.

-You have episodes of stop-and-start breathing during sleep (apnea).

-You feel like you're suffocating or gasping for air during sleep.

-You wake up with a headache.

-You have nightmares or night terrors.

-You act out your dreams while you're asleep (REM sleep behavior disorder).

-You have difficulty concentrating during the day because you're so tired.

-Your sleepiness causes you to have accidents or near-misses while driving.

-You have trouble staying awake during meetings, watching TV, or reading.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about a referral to a sleep specialist. A sleep study may be recommended to diagnose your sleep disorder. Once your sleep disorder is diagnosed, treatment can begin. With proper treatment, many people with sleep disorders are able to get the rest they need and improve their quality of life.

When you see a Sleep Disorder Specialist, he or she will ask about your sleep habits and health history. Be prepared to answer questions such as:

-How many hours of sleep do you get each night?

-Do you have trouble falling asleep? Staying asleep? Waking up too early?

-Do you snore?

-Do you have nightmares or night terrors?

-Do you sleepwalk?

-Do you have difficulty concentrating during the day?

-Do you feel drowsy during the day?

-Do you have accidents or near-misses while driving?

The doctor will also perform a physical exam and order tests, if needed. These may include a sleep study, which is done overnight in a sleep lab, and a polysomnogram, which measures brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and other bodily functions during sleep.

There are many different types of sleep disorders, and each one requires different treatment. Some common treatments for sleep disorders include:

- Adjusting your sleep habits: This may include going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.

- Taking medication: Medication can be used to treat insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome.

- Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine: This machine is used to treat sleep apnea and delivers air through a mask worn during sleep.

- Undergoing surgery: Surgery may be an option for treating sleep apnea.

With proper treatment, many people with sleep disorders are able to get the rest they need and improve their quality of life.

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When to Call a Doctor About Sleep Disorders

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Some sleep disorders are serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor. If you're having trouble sleeping, and it's affecting your quality of life, make an appointment with a Sleep Disorder Specialist .

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Breaking Down the Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment at Mgormandental.com Encino Specialist

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Breaking Down the Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment at Mgormandental.com Encino Specialist

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Wake up refreshed with the help of Los Angeles's top snoring doctor, Dr. Gorman

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Wake up refreshed with the help of Los Angeles's top snoring doctor, Dr. Gorman

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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The Truth About Snoring and How It Affects Your Oral Health

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The Truth About Snoring and How It Affects Your Oral Health

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Snoring is a common issue that affects many people worldwide. This condition occurs when the airflow is blocked in the throat during sleep, causing vibration in the airways and leading to the characteristic snoring sound. While it may seem harmless, snoring can seriously affect your oral health.

This article will explore the truth about snoring and its impact on your dental health.

When you snore, your mouth opens, causing your throat to dry out. This can lead to a condition known as xerostomia, or dry mouth, which can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Bruxism is where you grind or clench your teeth during sleep. Snoring can cause bruxism, making breathing difficult and increasing the effort to inhale. This increased effort can cause tension in the jaw muscles, leading to tooth damage and other oral health issues.

Sleep apnea is a severe condition where the airflow is completely blocked during sleep, leading to a pause in breathing that can last up to 30 seconds. Snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea and can also contribute to its development. Sleep apnea has been linked to numerous health problems, including heart disease, stroke, etc.

Below are some preventive measures

Brush your teeth twice daily regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Use mouthwash to help freshen your breath and keep your mouth moist.

If you have allergies, congestion, or other medical issues contributing to snoring, seek treatment to help alleviate the problem.

Your dentist can help identify signs of snoring and bruxism and offer solutions such as a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth and reduce snoring.

In conclusion, snoring is an annoyance and can have severe implications for oral health. Maintaining good oral hygiene, treating underlying health conditions, and visiting a dentist can help prevent snoring and protect your dental health. Don't let snoring go untreated - take steps today to improve your sleep and overall health.

American Sleep Apnea Association. (n.d.). What is sleep apnea? Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.sleepapnea.org/learn/sleep-apnea/

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The Truth About Snoring and How It Affects Your Oral Health

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Snoring is a common issue that affects many people worldwide. This condition occurs when the airflow is blocked in the throat during sleep, causing vibration in the airways and leading to the characteristic snoring sound. While it may seem harmless, snoring can seriously affect your oral health.

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Innovative Sleep Apnea Treatment Solutions in Los Angeles at Mgormandental.com

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Innovative Sleep Apnea Treatment Solutions in Los Angeles at Mgormandental.com

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Truth About Snoring and How It Affects Your Oral Health

# data[].attributes.subject
The Truth About Snoring and How It Affects Your Oral Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Snoring is a common issue that affects many people worldwide. This condition occurs when the airflow is blocked in the throat during sleep, causing vibration in the airways and leading to the characteristic snoring sound. While it may seem harmless, snoring can seriously affect your oral health.

This article will explore the truth about snoring and its impact on your dental health.

When you snore, your mouth opens, causing your throat to dry out. This can lead to a condition known as xerostomia, or dry mouth, which can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Bruxism is where you grind or clench your teeth during sleep. Snoring can cause bruxism, making breathing difficult and increasing the effort to inhale. This increased effort can cause tension in the jaw muscles, leading to tooth damage and other oral health issues.

Sleep apnea is a severe condition where the airflow is completely blocked during sleep, leading to a pause in breathing that can last up to 30 seconds. Snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea and can also contribute to its development. Sleep apnea has been linked to numerous health problems, including heart disease, stroke, etc.

Below are some preventive measures

Brush your teeth twice daily regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Use mouthwash to help freshen your breath and keep your mouth moist.

If you have allergies, congestion, or other medical issues contributing to snoring, seek treatment to help alleviate the problem.

Your dentist can help identify signs of snoring and bruxism and offer solutions such as a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth and reduce snoring.

In conclusion, snoring is an annoyance and can have severe implications for oral health. Maintaining good oral hygiene, treating underlying health conditions, and visiting a dentist can help prevent snoring and protect your dental health. Don't let snoring go untreated - take steps today to improve your sleep and overall health.

American Sleep Apnea Association. (n.d.). What is sleep apnea? Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.sleepapnea.org/learn/sleep-apnea/

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The Truth About Snoring and How It Affects Your Oral Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Snoring is a common issue that affects many people worldwide. This condition occurs when the airflow is blocked in the throat during sleep, causing vibration in the airways and leading to the characteristic snoring sound. While it may seem harmless, snoring can seriously affect your oral health.

# data[].attributes.headline
Innovative Sleep Apnea Treatment Solutions in Los Angeles at Mgormandental.com

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Innovative Sleep Apnea Treatment Solutions in Los Angeles at Mgormandental.com

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Breaking Down the Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment at Mgormandental.com Encino Specialist

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Breaking Down the Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment at Mgormandental.com Encino Specialist

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Innovative Sleep Apnea Treatment Solutions in Los Angeles at Mgormandental.com

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Innovative Sleep Apnea Treatment Solutions in Los Angeles at Mgormandental.com

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well. Keep reading to find out more about sleep apnea, understanding sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine as a treatment in Encino and Los Angeles, and what can happen if you leave sleep apnea untreated.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA for short, is the most common.

Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases, the sleeper is unaware of these breath stoppages because they don't trigger a full awakening.

Types of Sleep Apnea

As mentioned, there are three types of sleep apnea. These include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This form of sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea. When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea. Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous parts about sleep apnea is that 80% of the people who suffer from it are unaware, and therefore, are undiagnosed. That is why it is especially important to look out for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that can carry over into everyday life. It is also especially important if you suspect your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, as they likely have no idea and wouldn't be able to piece it together.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud or frequent snoring

Silent pauses in breathing

Choking or gasping sounds

Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

Unrefreshing sleep

Insomnia

Morning headaches

Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Decreased sexual desire

Irritability

Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of all the forms of sleep apnea, it is of particular importance to know the symptoms of. Questions you can ask yourself include:

Do I snore? If your loved one has frequently complained of your snoring, don't laugh it off. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

Do I breathe through my mouth? Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

Do I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day? Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This is because as patients experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep, they may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages. This results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

Do I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing? Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat. If you experience this frequently, it is important to pay attention to it.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from experiencing symptoms that carry over into the daytime and disrupting your partner's sleep patterns, untreated sleep apnea can pose more serious health risks. Since sleep apnea disturbs the normal breathing cycle and the body wakes to restart, it is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep is extremely important for the body, and not getting an adequate amount can be very dangerous in the long-term.

Health risks associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea include:

Depression

Acid reflux

Asthma

Breathing troubles

Liver problems

Low blood oxygen levels

High blood sugar levels

Abnormal cholesterol

Heart problems

High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine: Understanding Treatment

While sleep apnea can cause a host of debilitating issues, the good news about it is that it is a treatable condition, and people can go on living happy, normal lives.

Some types of treatment include:

CPAP machine. This machine is worn while sleeping and can provide air pressure through a mask to prevent snoring and help its user sleep. It is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, however, it is notoriously uncomfortable, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and not always reliable.

Oral appliance. Devices that help keep your throat open can help keep the jaw forward, which can help relieve snoring and mild obstructions. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain a good fit and aren't as reliable as a CPAP machine.

Treatment for underlying conditions. Many times, sleep apnea can be caused by weight or other underlying conditions. Treating these can help alleviate sleep apnea, or help to get rid of it altogether. We are trained in diagnosing the underlying conditions and our methods and treatments are very successful unless the issue is your genetics.

Dental Sleep Medicine

If you have tried other methods and are still suffering from sleep apnea, or if all other treatment methods aren't fitting your lifestyle and comfort level, dental sleep medicine is a great way to treat sleep apnea.

Finding the Course of Treatment

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. Specifically, at our center that caters to Encino and Los Angeles, and after the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions.

Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping. This appliance is comfortable, invisible and does not need any special maintenance. If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be the cause of breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment. These appliances all help to create a larger airway which has many other benefits and your overall health will improve.

Treat Airway Issues

Be treating airway issues through dental sleep medicine, the patient will experience a host of new benefits to their lives. These include:

Better concentration

Higher energy levels

Better overall mood and fewer mood swings

Lowered chance of obesity, diabetes, and respiratory disorders

Better sleep for your partner

Decreased headaches

Decreased fatigue and need for naps

Lowered stress levels

Eliminating the Need for a CPAP Machine

If you have been living with a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, the good news about dental sleep medicine is that you will no longer need one in order to sleep. CPAP machines, while they serve a helpful purpose, can be extremely uncomfortable and cumbersome.

It can be difficult to travel when you have a CPAP machine and can be a sensitive or embarrassing thing for the millions of people who use one. This can cause people to decline to go on trips or to stay at people's homes due to their CPAP machine. In addition, CPAP machines can be loud. This can be difficult to get used to not only for the user but the user's partner, as well.

CPAP machines are also notorious for their upkeep. They are difficult to keep clean and to keep well-adjusted on the face. This can lead to a runny or sore nose, irritated eyes, and constant re-fitting to make sure the proper amount of air pressure is being delivered.

Other Conditions Dental Sleep Medicine Can Improve

Sleep apnea isn't the only condition that dental sleep medicine can treat. More conditions include:

Sleep Breathing Disorder. The term breathing-related sleep disorder refers to a spectrum of breathing anomalies ranging from chronic or habitual snoring to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to frank obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or, in some cases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition that was first identified and described at Stanford University. It is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in that the soft tissue of the throat relaxes, reduces the size of the airway, and results in disturbed sleep and consequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. Although the increase in upper airway resistance is not enough to meet the criteria of the sleep-disordered breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea, the resulting increase in breathing effort does cause a brief awakening from sleep that is often undetected by the affected individual.

Respiratory Disturbance Index. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) - or respiratory distress Index - is a formula used in reporting polysomnography (sleep study) findings. Like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), it reports on respiratory events during sleep, but unlike the AHI, it also includes respiratory-effort related arousals (RERAs). [ Richardson, Mark A., & Friedman, Norman R. (Eds.) (2007). Clinician's Guide to Pediatric Sleep Disorders, p. 75. New York: Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.]

TMJ. The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and the socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Recent research has proven that TMJ is a symptom of Sleep Apnea.

About Gorman Wellness

The Gorman Wellness Center has been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method in the Encino and Los Angeles areas. This method has allowed our patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better.

Our dental practice offers a comprehensive array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative therapies performed with compassion and an eye for detail. Along with general dentistry, we specialize in the preventative health approach to treating misaligned teeth using ALF Lightwire Orthodontics, as well as the management of pain and problems related to TMJ.

When it comes to something as important as your overall health, it is important to treat the underlying causes of dental problems-not just the symptoms. Integrative and Sleep Dentist Dr. Martin Gorman's approach is rooted in the optimal health-based philosophy of Bioesthetic Dentistry. It is based on years of research and observation of the human chewing system. In healthy systems, there is a balance between airway, esthetics, function, and comfort. In simple terms, Integrative Dental Medicine provides you with a healthy mouth that looks great, feels great, and chews great!

For more information, visit https://www.mgormandental.com

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Sleep Apnea Doctor and Dental Sleep Medicine in Los Angeles

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Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, although common, condition suffered by over 22 million people. It can be a debilitating condition, requiring medical intervention in order to prevent further health risks. It's a dangerous condition for not only the sufferer, but the sufferer's partner and family members as well.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.headline
Sleep Disorders: Understanding and Managing the Epidemic with Mgormandental.com in Los Angeles

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Sleep Disorders: Understanding and Managing the Epidemic with Mgormandental.com in Los Angeles

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Causes of Sleep Disorders

Various factors, including lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and psychological disorders, can cause sleep disorders. For example, poor sleep hygiene, such as staying up late to watch television or using electronic devices before bedtime, can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and cause insomnia. Medical conditions like sleep apnea can also lead to sleep disturbances. Psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, can also interfere with sleep and lead to sleep disorders.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders

The symptoms of sleep disorders vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Common symptoms include difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, and restlessness during sleep. To diagnose sleep disorders, a sleep specialist may perform a physical exam, ask about your sleep habits and symptoms, and conduct a sleep study.

Treatment of Sleep Disorders

Treatment for sleep disorders varies depending on the type and severity of the disorder. In many cases, lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep hygiene and reducing stress, can help improve sleep quality. Other treatments may include medication, behavioral therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. At Mgormandental.com, our team of sleep disorder doctors in Los Angeles uses a multi-disciplinary approach to treat sleep disorders, combining the latest medical treatments with personalized care to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients.

Sleep disorders are a significant public health issue that can seriously affect physical and mental health. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most sleep disorders can be effectively managed, allowing individuals to regain their health and quality of life. Mgormandental.com is committed to providing personalized and comprehensive care for all types of sleep disorders, and the team of sleep disorder doctors in Los Angeles is dedicated to helping our patients achieve a better night's sleep.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021, November 18). Sleep Disorders.
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Disorders-Sleep-Wake-Cycle

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Sleep Disorders: Understanding and Managing the Epidemic with Mgormandental.com in Los Angeles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Various factors, including lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and psychological disorders, can cause sleep disorders. For example, poor sleep hygiene, such as staying up late to watch television or using electronic devices before bedtime, can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and cause insomnia. Medical conditions like sleep apnea can also lead to sleep disturbances.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.headline
Revolutionary Sleep Apnea Treatment is now Available at Mgormandental.com in Los Angeles

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Revolutionary Sleep Apnea Treatment is now Available at Mgormandental.com in Los Angeles

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Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home / Advanced, General, & Cosmetic Dentistry / Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Encino, Los Angeles

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Treating the Root Cause

Interview with Dr. Gorman

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Gorman (Snoring Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles) reveals the latest advances in treating Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Airway issues.

Stop Suffering From Sleep Apnea

I have been helping people suffering from Sleep Apnea with a non-invasive, clinically approved treatment method. This method has allowed my patients to sleep with far fewer events per hour allowing them to get rid of their CPAP and BiPAP machines. Imagine not having to use one of those machines, getting back a much greater quality of life along with the benefits of being able to breathe better. To see if this groundbreaking treatment is right for you please fill out the form to schedule a time for a FREE consultation, this is a $500 value.

Call 818.995.1891 or Complete the Form to Schedule a FREE Consultation wtih Sleep Apnea Doctor in Encino, Los Angeles

Patient Testimonials for Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing when a person sleeps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom have not been officially diagnosed. When sleep apnea goes unnoticed, people cannot receive the treatment they need. Initially, this can lead to daily issues such as headaches, fatigue, and poor memory. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health concerns, including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Although sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition, Dr. Martin Gorman offers effective treatment options to manage the condition to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening problems.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the advantages of treatment with Dr. Gorman, we invite you to browse the sections on this page and/or contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Types

Sleep apnea can be categorized into three different types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway has been blocked, such as from tissue relaxing in the back of the throat.

Central Sleep Apnea: When central sleep apnea (CSA) is present, the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea involves a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

The best form of treatment will vary based on which type of sleep apnea has developed. To learn about the next steps for addressing your condition, you will first need to schedule a sleep study to receive a diagnosis, after which you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Gorman.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the the muscles and soft tissues in the throat, mouth, or nose relaxing to the point of narrowing the breathing passages. As the airway becomes smaller, breathing becomes more difficult, and the tissues in the back of the throat may begin to vibrate with every breath, due to forcing air through the decreased space. These vibrations produce the sound we associate with snoring. Although snoring does not always mean a person has sleep apnea, this may be a warning sign they are not getting enough oxygen at night. In addition to snoring loudly, people suffering from sleep apnea may experience several pauses in breathing, lasting 10 seconds or more.

Since sleep apnea reduces a person's ability to breathe properly, possibly limiting the oxygen to their brain, it is vital for those who suspect may have the condition to seek our treatment.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

While some people may notice they have obstructive sleep apnea, most cases are first discovered by family members. This is because the signs and symptoms are more obvious to those around the sufferer. Common indications that a person has sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring.

Gasping or choking during the night.

Headaches in the morning.

Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up.

Difficulty remembering and concentrating.

Increased need to urinate during the night.

These symptoms typically occur because the individual cannot breathe properly as they sleep, disrupting their quality of sleep. As a result, people tend to feel especially fatigued throughout the day and may have issues trying to stay awake.

Do I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Although OSA is the most common manifestation of sleep apnea, the breathing disorder commonly goes undiagnosed because key symptoms-such as snoring and pauses in breathing-occur at night while a patient is asleep. Nevertheless, obstructive sleep apnea can pose a great risk to an individual's health and well-being, with these disruptions in breathing often culminating in daytime symptoms as well as cardiovascular and blood pressure problems. A consultation with Dr. Gorman can help determine whether you may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (an official diagnosis can be obtained from a physician), but the following checklist can help you gain a more thorough understanding of whether your symptoms may be an indication of OSA:

1. I snore. Since snoring typically acts as the response to a partially closed airway, snoring can be a telltale sign of the excessive relaxation of soft tissues in the throat (a symptom of OSA). It is estimated that one in three patients who snore are affected by obstructive sleep apnea.

2. I breath through my mouth. Mouth breathing cancels the ability to filter out pollutants, allergens, pesticides, smog, pollen, and other microbes when taking in oxygen, often causing swelling and inflammation of the throat that can restrict the airways.

3. I often feel tired and unenergetic during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, as patients who experience frequent pauses in breathing while asleep may fail to spend adequate time in the deeper sleep stages, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day.

4. I have a chronic cough, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Throat issues have a high correlation to cases of OSA, with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and sleep apnea often occurring together. A dry mouth and sore throat upon waking up can be an effect of breathing through the mouth, which is considered dysfunctional breathing that is likely to inflame the tissues of the throat.

When your breathing pauses for more than ten seconds at a time while asleep (an event characteristic of sleep apnea), the "fight or flight" response in the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and releases stress hormones-such as cortisol-into the bloodstream. These elevated cortisol levels can result in increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased hunger drive, and other health hazards over time if the breathing disorder is left untreated. For these reasons, timely evaluation of your symptoms and proactive treatment is essential.

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea that goes untreated can lead to a wide range of issues. People living with the condition who do not receive prompt treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing the following:

Loud Snoring

Snorting or Gasping for Air

Frequent Nighttime Urination

Morning Headaches

Irritability

Daytime Sleepiness

Memory Loss

Lack of Energy

Drowsy Driving

Excessive Stress

Cardiovascular Strain

Erectile Dysfunction

Increased Risk for Accidents

Weight Gain

Depression

High Blood Pressure

Stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatments Encino, Los Angeles

When sleep apnea is addressed with the proper treatment, risks associated with the condition are significantly reduced. After the patient has received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Gorman (Sleep Apnea Specialist Encino, Los Angeles) will talk with them about their symptoms, review their medical history, and may perform a scan utilizing state-of-the-art dental technology to evaluate possible obstructions. Once he is familiar with the details of their condition, Dr. Gorman will create a personalized treatment plan with the goal of improving their nighttime breathing. This often involves the use of a custom-fitted dental appliance the patient will wear while sleeping.

If the patient's sleep apnea is being caused by the tongue relaxing in the throat, a tongue-retaining device may be the ideal treatment for maintaining an open airway. Should an abnormal jaw position be causing breathing difficulties, Dr. Gorman may recommend a special device to correct this alignment, such as a mouthpiece or a device strapped around the head. Oral devices used to address sleep apnea are removable and typically resemble athletic mouth guards.

Dr. Gorman: The Breathing Wellness Movement

Dr. Gorman is a part of the breathing wellness movement, which aims to increase awareness and improve treatment for sleep-related airway conditions like sleep apnea. He has partnered with organizations focused on collaborating with dentists to apply the sciences of Craniofacial Epigenetics (the study of cranial modifications caused by gene expression as opposed to genetic code alteration) and Pneumopedics ® (the practical application of oral appliance therapy and non-surgical airway remodeling) in the management of sleep apnea. Together, the application of these sciences allows for underlying causes of airway obstruction to be treated in 98% of cases, resulting in a high success rate among sleep apnea patients.

For every sleep apnea case at our practice, Dr. Gorman will gather patient data and determine the patient's specific needs based on home sleep test results, dental impressions, CT scan, and images. Our state-of-the-art technology paired with Dr. Gorman's experience with sleep disorders allows him to find the most effective treatment plan for each individual's particular case, yielding improved daytime and nighttime breathing for the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Since virtually everyone snores occasionally, snoring may not necessarily indicate a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder, so if you or a loved one snores on a regular basis, it would be wise to get evaluated for sleep apnea by a qualified professional to either identify or rule out this serious condition.

Who is at a high risk for sleep apnea?

Generally speaking, sleep apnea is more commonly seen in males than in females, as well as in individuals over 40 in comparison to kids and young adults. That said, anyone can develop the condition-despite gender or age. Some of the biggest factors that contribute to a heightened risk for sleep apnea include:

A family history of sleep apnea and/or snoring

Excess weight or obesity

Large tonsils

A thick neck

A small lower jaw

Narrow airways

Alcohol consumption before bed

Frequent nasal congestion

Post-menopause

Low thyroid levels

If any of these high-risk factors apply to you (or a loved one) and signs of sleep apnea are present, you may wish to consult with Dr. Gorman about your current likelihood of having or developing the condition. He can help you obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as customize the best sleep apnea treatment Encino, Los Angeles for your particular case.

What makes sleep apnea worse?

The severity of sleep apnea and its various symptoms can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as:

Weight Gain - Excess weight can cause tissues in and around the airway to bulk up, heightening the potential for the airway to collapse when muscles relax during sleep.

Sleep Position - Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to relax deeper into the mouth/throat, limiting proper airflow.

Alcohol - Increased muscle relaxation triggered by alcohol that is consumed close to bedtime can cause the tongue and tissues of the throat to obstruct the airway more so than normal during sleep.

Certain Medications - Similar to alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxers and sleeping aids can create greater airway obstruction than normal due to muscle over-relaxation. In addition, sleeping pills can cause apnea episodes to last longer since waking up requires a more significant respiratory event, leading to lengthier pauses in breathing.

Diabetes - Not only can the severity of sleep apnea affect certain symptoms of diabetes, but poor control of glucose levels has conversely been linked to more serious cases of sleep apnea.

Smoking - Over time, chemicals in cigarette smoke can inflame muscles and soft tissues in the mouth and throat, effectively narrowing the airway.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, maintaining control-or, if possible, complete avoidance-of these factors is imperative to the successful management and treatment of the condition.

What is considered severe sleep apnea?

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to determine the severity of sleep apnea. Recorded during sleep studies, AHI values indicate the combined number of pauses in breathing (apneas) and constricted breaths (hypopneas) that occur each hour of sleep. An AHI of 30 or more-meaning at least 30 apneas and/or hypopneas were recorded per hour-is classified as "severe" sleep apnea. For reference, an AHI of 15-29 is considered "moderate" sleep apnea and an AHI of 5-14 is deemed "mild" sleep apnea. That being said, even as few as five apneas and/or hypopneas per hour can lead to many of the detrimental side effects and medical complications associated with sleep apnea.

How does sleep apnea affect the heart?

When breathing stops for any period of time, oxygen levels in the blood drop. In response, the heart works harder to pump blood, and the body naturally releases a stress hormone known as epinephrine (adrenaline). When this happens regularly-as it does for individuals with sleep apnea-the cardiovascular system is continually over-taxed, and elevated adrenaline levels in the blood repeatedly circulate throughout the heart and body. Over time, this combination of cardiovascular strain and heightened stimuli in the blood can lead to chronic high blood pressure and the progression-or even cause-of heart disease.

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you have any questions about sleep apnea, or would like to learn about your treatment options, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring Encino Sherman Oaks Los Angeles CA

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Sleep apnea & snoring treatment in Encino, Los Angeles. We treat the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring, not just mask the symptoms. Learn more.

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Breaking Down the Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment at Mgormandental.com Encino Specialist

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Breaking Down the Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment at Mgormandental.com Encino Specialist