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Having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Doctor weighs in on some possible fixes

Are you or is someone in your life having trouble getting a good night’s sleep?

It may be due to something called obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Earl Bogrow said -- and this could lead to a number of serious health problems.

Many people who have been diagnosed often use C-Pap machines, and as you can imagine, it makes sleeping difficult as well, but there is an alternative.

“Live in the D” host Tati Amare chatted with Bogrow, who has a practice dedicated to oral appliance therapy and is also a professor at the University of Michigan Dental School.

Bogrow explained that obstructive sleep apnea is a closure of your airway when you sleep. The air gets smaller as you stay asleep, and eventually, the airway will close completely, causing a gasp and cough.

This can cause other problems like Type 2 diabetes, heart problems and stroke, Bogrow said.

Instead of using a C-Pap machine, Bogrow said surgery is an option, or some people opt for a custom dental mouthpiece that guides your mouth forward.

Before getting the mouthpiece, you have to get a sleep test and a note from a sleep physician.

Bogrow also mentioned that this mouthpiece is a dental solution to a health problem, therefore, it is typically covered by health insurance.

To schedule an appointment with Bogrow, click here or call 248-827-1144.