Do you snore or have difficulty breathing while asleep? Do you feel tired during the daytime?
Research suggests that 1 in every 5 adults has sleep apnea, or difficulty breathing while asleep. Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea; however, not all people with sleep apnea snore. Sleep apnea is the leading cause of daytime sleepiness and is also associated with the development of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. When untreated, sleep apnea can reduce quality of life.
We believe that dental professionals can help identify patients at risk for sleep apnea. Kristin Dillow, a dental hygienist at Wainright & Wassel DDS and graduate student at the University of North Carolina, is conducting research on this topic. The research study offers free screening for sleep apnea. Participation will include:
- Answering a short questionnaire
- Wearing a small watch-like monitor for one night during sleep
All information that you provide will remain strictly confidential. Participation is completely voluntary, and non-participation will not affect any dental care provided to you.
For more information, please ask your dental hygienist at your next appointment or contact:
Kristin Dillow, RDH
919-720-6594
We appreciate your support of this study. This research has been reviewed and approved by the Office of Human Research Ethics at UNC Chapel Hill. The office can be contacted at 919-966-3113.