Sleep: Columbus, Ohio's Superpower

Columbus, Ohio, is a city with a rich history and diverse culture. Named after the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, it is the state capital and most populous city in Ohio. With a population of over 900,000 people, it is the 14th-most populous city in the US and the second-most populous city in the Midwest. Columbus has a strong and diverse economy, with sectors ranging from education and insurance to aviation and healthcare. The city boasts a vibrant culinary scene, top-notch science museums, immersive art, and a friendly atmosphere. It has been recognised as a typical American city due to its mix of races and a wide range of incomes, making it an ideal test market for retail and restaurant chains. Columbus is also home to several professional sports teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League and the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer. The city offers a wide range of attractions, from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to the annual All American Quarter Horse Congress, making it a great destination for locals and tourists alike.

Sleep apnea treatments

Sleep apnea is a condition where the affected person is not able to breathe properly while sleeping. Sufferers experience apneas, or temporary breathing pauses, that can last up to 40 seconds, causing the brain to briefly wake the body to resume breathing. Sleep apnea often goes unnoticed by the person experiencing it, and it is usually a sleeping partner who first observes the condition.

There are several treatment options for sleep apnea, including:

Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyle changes can be very effective in treating sleep apnea. These include regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, sleeping on your side, and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake. Quitting smoking is also recommended.

Breathing Devices

A breathing device, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP machines provide constant air pressure to keep the upper airways open and aid breathing during sleep. Other types of breathing devices include auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machines and bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) machines.

Oral Devices

Oral devices, also known as oral appliances, are placed in the mouth to prevent blocked airways during sleep. There are two main types: mandibular repositioning mouthpieces and tongue-retaining devices. Mandibular repositioning mouthpieces hold the lower jaw forward to prevent it from blocking the upper airway, while tongue-retaining devices hold the tongue in a forward position to keep the airway open. Oral devices can be custom-fitted by a dentist for maximum comfort.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Devices

NMES devices use electrical stimulation to tone the tongue and upper airway muscles, preventing them from collapsing and blocking the airway during sleep. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an NMES oral device for people with mild obstructive sleep apnea. The device is used for 20 minutes daily for a period of six weeks.

Surgical Options

Surgical options for sleep apnea include adenotonsillectomy to remove the tonsils and adenoids, tissue reduction surgery in the mouth and throat to enlarge the upper airway, and upper or lower jaw advancement to move the jaws forward and increase the size of the upper airway.

Orofacial Therapy

Orofacial therapy involves exercises for the mouth and facial muscles to strengthen and reposition the tongue and muscles controlling the lips, tongue, upper airway, and face. This type of therapy can be effective in treating sleep apnea in both children and adults.

Home sleep testing

Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome can disrupt your sleep and have a negative impact on your health. Left untreated, these disorders can affect your memory and mood and are linked to more serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.

If you're experiencing symptoms such as frequent snoring, sudden awakenings, or constant fatigue, it's important to seek help. Home sleep testing is a simple and effective way to get started on your journey to better sleep.

Here's how it works: you can contact a sleep centre in Columbus, such as Columbus Sleep Consultants, to schedule a telemedicine or in-person consultation. During this consultation, a specialist will discuss your symptoms and determine if a home sleep test is right for you. If so, they will provide you with the necessary equipment and instructions to perform the test in the comfort of your own home.

The home sleep test will monitor your sleep patterns, breathing, and other relevant data. This information will then be analysed by a sleep specialist, who will determine if you have a sleep disorder and recommend the best course of treatment.

Oral appliance therapy

Dr. Mark Levy, a Sleep Apnea Specialist in Columbus, Ohio, has been offering oral appliance therapy as an alternative or in combination with CPAP therapy since 2005. Dr. Buck, based in Dublin, OH, also offers oral appliance therapy as a solution to sleep apnea.

Sleep disorders

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where individuals experience breathing difficulties during sleep, resulting in frequent apneas or temporary cessations of breathing that can last up to 40 seconds. This triggers the brain to briefly wake up, allowing the person to resume breathing. OSA often goes undiagnosed, as most patients are unaware of their condition until observed by a sleeping partner. Treatment options for OSA include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliance therapy, and surgical procedures. CPAP therapy involves using a machine to deliver constant airflow to keep the airways open, while oral appliance therapy involves wearing custom-made devices to reposition the jaw and tongue, preventing airway blockage.

Sleep specialists in Columbus, Ohio, offer a range of services to address sleep disorders. These specialists provide home sleep testing, in-person consultations, and telemedicine appointments. They also offer alternative treatments such as oral appliance therapy and Inspire therapy, a breakthrough treatment that works in conjunction with the body's natural breathing process.

Columbus Sleep Consultants, for example, provides a comfortable and compassionate environment for patients experiencing sleep disorders. Their team of experienced doctors and staff are skilled in helping individuals with sleep disorders, ensuring that patients feel heard and well-cared for. Another specialist, Dr. Mark Levy, has extensive experience treating sleep disordered breathing with oral appliance therapy, offering an alternative to CPAP therapy.

Additionally, The Columbus Sleep Center, led by Dr. Buck, takes a comprehensive approach to treating sleep apnea. Dr. Buck recognizes the connection between dental health and sleep apnea, offering oral appliance therapy as a more comfortable and convenient treatment option. The center also provides easy payment options and assists patients in navigating insurance plans to access financial benefits for their treatment.

Sleep specialists

One prominent sleep specialist in Columbus is Dr. Mark Levy, who has been treating sleep disordered breathing since 2005. Dr. Levy is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines. He offers oral appliance therapy as an alternative or adjunct to CPAP therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Oral appliances are comfortable and non-intrusive, and they work by moving the lower jaw forward to open the airway and improve breathing during sleep. Dr. Levy selects the most suitable appliance from a range of FDA-approved options based on individual factors such as the degree of snoring and mouth size.

Another sleep specialist practice in Columbus is Columbus Sleep Consultants. They offer telemedicine, in-person, and virtual appointments for sleep disorders. They also provide home sleep testing and accept most insurance plans. The team at Columbus Sleep Consultants includes experienced doctors and specialists who are passionate about helping people with sleep disorders. They have multiple locations across Columbus and its surrounding areas, including Grove City, Lancaster, Newark, Polaris, and Dublin.

The Columbus Sleep Center is another dedicated sleep medicine practice in Dublin, OH, led by Dr. Buck, a dentist with 15 years of experience. Dr. Buck specializes in oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, offering a comfortable and convenient alternative to CPAP therapy. He is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and SPEAR Education, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental sleep medicine. Dr. Buck takes a holistic approach to treating sleep apnea, working with patients' physicians to address associated conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Ohio Sleep Solutions is a regional leader in sleep medicine, with a team of sleep specialists averaging more than 10 years of experience. They offer home sleep testing and have eight convenient locations across central Ohio, including six offices that accommodate children.

Frequently asked questions