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Our readers have spoken!

The most commonly used bite technique with our readers is a Pharyngometry bite followed by Neuromuscular.

We’ve been asked to weigh in on the “which bite is best” debate.

Our answer… it depends! Depends on the clinicians educational background, office workflows, accessible equipment, etc. Each of these bites have resulted in successful treatment outcomes. We recommend that you research each option with an open mind and use the tool that works best for you, your office and your patients!

In Today’s Edition:

• Is CBTi Curing OSA?

• The Sleep Apnea Marketing Challenge

• Industry Events

• Video 3 of 6: Sleep Series With Dr. Matthew Walker

5-minute read👇

Clinical Corner

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Key Takeaways🔑

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) Can Revolutionize OSA Management

Introduction

For those grappling with the double whammy of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a duo we call COMISA—there's a game-changing approach on the horizon. It's not a new pharmaceutical or a fancier CPAP machine, but something surprisingly straightforward: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi). Let's cut through the medical jargon and talk about why this matters.

What the Study Tells Us

Imagine a group of 145 sleep-challenged souls, all battling significant OSA, their nights broken by at least 15 apneas every hour. These folks were split into two camps—one receiving a concise four-session course of CBTi and the other left to their usual routines without intervention.

Here's the kicker: post-treatment, the CBTi group saw a reduction in their AHI by 5.5 events per hour. In contrast, the control group actually went the other way, their AHI ticking up slightly. Put simply, the CBTi group enjoyed a 20.5% improvement compared to their untreated counterparts.

Drilling Down the Benefits

1. Sharper Reduction in AHI: The core measure of OSA severity, the AHI, significantly dropped in the CBTi group. This isn't just about less snoring; it's fewer episodes of breathing cessation, meaning a direct boost in oxygen levels and overall sleep quality.

2. Fewer Nightly Interruptions: These folks enjoyed less tossing and turning, with a 21-minute reduction in wakefulness after sleep onset. Think about that—nearly half an hour less of staring at the ceiling every night.

3. Sleep Architecture Enhancement: While the deep sleep stages didn't shift dramatically, the lighter, less restorative N1 sleep was cut down. More quality sleep means more restorative nights.

Why It Works

CBTi is not just "talk therapy." It's a strategic intervention that tackles the dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors causing insomnia. By improving sleep efficiency and reducing interruptions, it seems to allow the respiratory system a more stable environment to function during sleep. Better sleep efficiency might also raise the arousal threshold, meaning fewer wake-ups due to breathing difficulties.

Takeaway for Dental Sleep Professionals

If you're in the business of managing OSA, think beyond the plastic and the machine. Consider how integrating CBTi could sharpen your toolkit, not only improving outcomes but also potentially easing the burden of CPAP therapy adherence among your patients.

Conclusion

This study is more than a nod to the effectiveness of CBTi; it's a clarion call for a broader, more integrated approach to treating COMISA. By enhancing traditional OSA treatments with CBTi, we're not just putting a band-aid on symptoms; we're amplifying patient care and opening doors to significantly improved health outcomes.

Learning Objectives Recap

• Recognize CBTi's potential to improve AHI in COMISA patients.

• Identify the influence of sleep continuity on OSA severity.

• Evaluate the need for a holistic treatment paradigm in sleep medicine.

In the battle against sleep disorders, CBTi is proving to be a formidable ally. It’s time to harness its potential and rethink our approach to sleep therapy.

*Sweetman, Alexander et al. “Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia reduces sleep apnoea severity: a randomised controlled trial.” ERJ open research vol. 6,2 00161-2020. 17 May. 2020, doi:10.1183/23120541.00161-2020

Business of Sleep

📈Better businesses = more lives saved!

The Sleep Apnea Marketing Challenge

Stepping into the world of sleep medicine, you'll find resources on billing, operations, and treatment, but there's a glaring gap: new patient acquisition. For sleep apnea, the preferred and go-to strategy is doctor referrals, but that requires constant visits, follow-ups, and gifts. We know you'd rather focus on treating patients, so why isn't there a simpler patient acquisition strategy?

🔍 The Issue: Want and Urgency

Every buying decision is driven by either want or urgency. Want applies to things like TVs or engagement rings - you want it because you understand its benefits. Urgency applies to situations like a broken air conditioner - you need it fixed to avoid discomfort.

Sleep apnea has neither of these. People don't 'want' to go to a doctor, and while other health problems might have urgency due to pain, sleep apnea's symptoms happen while you're asleep, making it easy to ignore.

That's why we at More Than Teeth have outlined a proven program that will help you reach patients at every stage of their decision-making process, establishing you as the local authority on sleep apnea. These protocols come from industry leaders and have been proven by More Than Teeth readers!

💡 The Patient Decision Stages

1️⃣ "Do I have sleep apnea?"

Overview: These individuals might have some awareness of sleep apnea from friends or spouses. What they want is information on symptoms, causes, and dangers.

Your Strategy:

• Develop SEO-focused blog posts answering basic questions like "What is Sleep Apnea?" or "Is Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea."

• Emphasize the demographics, symptoms, and dangers of untreated sleep apnea.

• Use a Sleep Apnea Screener to provide personally tailored information without requiring direct human interaction.

2️⃣ "I need to get tested for Sleep Apnea"

Overview: These individuals are convinced they have a potential issue and are ready to take the next step.

Your Strategy:

• Use Google Ads targeting keywords around "Sleep apnea testing" to drive new patients.

• Offer patient-friendly testing options such as at-home sleep tests.

• Ensure your intake specialists provide clear, easy-to-understand steps for testing and receiving results.

3️⃣ "I have sleep apnea and need treatment"

Overview: These are your best leads as they already know they have sleep apnea and are seeking treatment.

Your Strategy:

• Use Google Ads to target keywords like "CPAP alternatives" or "Sleep apnea treatments."

• Maintain a strong local presence, with updated maps listings, positive Google reviews, and images of your office and staff.

• Provide simple, clear steps to getting treatment, including information on pricing and insurance.

🔑 Maximizing Your Efforts

While these tactics can bring new patients in the door the #1 reason sleep apnea marketing fails is poor phone skills, so don't overlook that crucial point. With the right strategies, you can attract patients at every stage of their decision-making process and save lives in the process.

Previous Editions

👉 Bite Registration Techniques

👉 OSA and Dementia

👉 Depression and Sleep Apnea

Something Sweet

🍭Stuff so sweet you might get a cavity..

Industry Events

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Miscellaneous

😅P.S. … I forgot something

Video 3 of 6 in the series that all sleep professionals should listen too!