have moderate to severe sleep apnea . It ’ s important to screen everyone who presents with warning signs .”
Sleep Dallas is a unique multi-disciplinary group that includes Kent Smith , DDS , D-ABDSM , ASBA , who is board-certified in dental sleep medicine , Dr . Marie Dibra , a board-certified sleep physician , and nurse practitioner Katie Collier . With this team of providers , the clinic team is able to diagnose , treat , and manage sleep disorders in-house and offer weight loss / management solutions when indicated .
Sleep Dallas has incorporated a new weight loss program under the expertise of Katie Collier for patients who may have not realized they have sleep apnea and are interested in feeling better and healthier .
circumference (> 17 ”). Patients presenting with these warning signs or physical features may be referred to Sleep Dallas for further evaluation .
Dr . Kent Smith notes , “ Even though OSA is more typically seen in obese males , we sometimes see it outside the expected patient population – petite female patients with normal BMI who
“ The number of undiagnosed sleep disorder patients is an underrecognized medical crisis ,” notes Dr . Smith . “ We hope that our new weight loss program will be a helpful resource for patients who want to feel better and healthier but may not be aware that they have a sleep disorder . Katie ’ s expertise in weight loss solutions gives us a better chance of reducing that unacceptably high number of suffering patients .”
“ At Sleep Dallas , we frequently hear reports from our patients that the pandemic and other world events have increased their levels of worry and anxiety and have even led to Covid-related insomnia ,” notes Dr . Smith . This patient-centered sleep medicine clinic has adapted to the pandemic by providing diagnostic testing and treatment through at-home tests using disposable devices and convenient telemedicine services , so patients who are unable or hesitant to schedule an in-person visit can safely and easily access care . The clinic is in-network for all major insurance and Medicare .
OSA is potentially dangerous when left untreated and can lead to high blood pressure , stroke , and diabetes .
Photos by Ray Bryant , Bryant Studios
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