CHICAGO, Illinois – Feeling tired and irritable aren't just signs it's Monday, they could be indicators of sleep apnea. According to the January 2004 issue of AGD Impact, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) monthly newsmagazine, sleep apnea affects more than 12 million Americans. Sleep apnea refers to episodes in which a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. Each time, the sleeper briefly wakes up in order to resume breathing, resulting in fragmented, poor sleep. The disease is more common in men, but there are some tell-tale signs and risk factors including loud snoring, physical abnormalities in the nose, throat or upper airway, obesity and high blood pressure. Those who smoke, drink alcohol or use sedatives or sleep medications are also at risk. Many do not remember waking up at night, but they may suffer morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, heartburn, irritability and depression, and snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep. Symptoms may also appear in the mouth in the form of stickier plaque, gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and sore throat. Sleep apnea doesn't just affect those who suffer from the disorder. Often, it can wreak havoc on marriages, families, and anyone who lives with those affected by sleep apnea, since they usually wake up when the sleeper does. "In some cases, divorce can even be a problem," says AGD spokesperson Eric Shapira, DDS, MAGD. Treatment does exist, though it can vary from person to person. Simply elevating the head with an extra pillow may alleviate symptoms, but in other cases, laser surgery to widen the palate may be necessary. "I highly recommend participating in sleep studies, which are available at many universities," says Dr. Shapira. These studies help pinpoint which kind of apnea you suffer from and identify treatment. "Counseling for stress caused by this condition is also very helpful." [  Printer-friendly page ]