Jaw-Alignment Devices
There is yet another option that is usually less expensive and less obtrusive than either the CPAP machine or the implant device. This is the jaw-alignment appliance that one places in their mouth at night. This alignment device helps to keep one’s throat open so that air can pass freely.
These jaw alignment appliances can be obtained from a dentist. They are most often used for the jaw alignment of children or adolescents. However, they can also be used for adults with sleep disruption caused by interrupted breathing. While these appliances come in several different forms, they typically involve a molding that fits over the top teeth and a molding that fits over the bottom teeth. A thin metal band is attached to both molds. The band is adjustable, allowing the two molds to be at differing angles to one another. The greater the distance between the upper teeth mold and the lower teeth mold, the further forward the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw—thus keeping one’s air passage open. These devices require a dentist and are expensive (more than $500).
Less expensive alignment devices are available without having to set up an appointment with one’s dentist. The molds can be fitted to one’s teeth by simply warming the molds and fitting them over the teeth. The same type of adjustable mental band is used. These devices typically sell for less than $100.
An even less expensive version of the jaw alignment device can be purchased on-line or at any drug store. This device consists of two molds for the upper and bottom teeth that are attached at an angle with the lower mold extending beyond the upper mold. They come with different degrees of alignment and usually cost less than $30. Even less expensive plastic devices are placed over the upper teeth and prevent the grinding of teeth. They might also increase the blow of air across the teeth and into the throat.
Medications
While sleep enhancing devices are commonly used, their use pales by comparison with the use of pills to ensure (or at least increase) sleep quality. Some of these pills are prescribed by physicians. However, most of the pills are purchased “over the counter” at local drug stores or (increasingly) via the Internet. As I have already noted, some of the prescription drugs in particular are controversial and potentially addictive and dangerous. Many of the over-the-counter medications are either ineffective or “quietly” addictive. I turn first to those medications that can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
By Prescription
One specific medication stands out among all of the others—both because of its effectiveness and its addictive quality. This drug is zolpidem (usually marketed as “Ambien”). When one takes this “splendid” soporific, there is an almost immediate sense of peace and desire to slumber. I know of this effect personally, for as I indicated in my opening essay, I took Ambien for many years. Initially, it was to help me sleep when I was traveling halfway around the world to Asian countries. Ambien was quite new at the time. Not much was known about its addictive properties. It was appropriate that my physician prescribed this pill so that I could get some sleep and operate all full capacity during the day.
Then I started taking Ambien when I was back home—usually about once a week when I was having problems getting to sleep (often adjusting to the time-zone differences when I arrived back home from Asia). Then it was every other night. And then every night. And then felt a bit desperate if I ran out of pills. I was quite demanding with regard to getting the prescription refilled “right away!” It was only when I was in the midst of a series of earthquakes in Bali that I determined that I needed to remain fully vigilant when the next quake hit. So, after more than a decade I went “cold turkey” and never took Ambien again. It was a very hard “detoxing” experience.
