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SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
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WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA?
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can be responsible for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents and a decreased quality of life. Other side effects may include excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue, memory problems, weight gain, impotence, and headaches. Our significant others may also suffer the effects of our snoring and sleep apnea, as they are unable to get a night of deep restorative sleep. This may also lead to relationship issues. In addition, recent studies are now pointing out that the medical conditions of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are really undiagnosed sleep disorders.
Children may also be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. 14% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 are overweight, which puts them at risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep deprivation in children is often overlooked or attributed to attention-deficit or behavior disorders. Parents should be aware of nighttime and daytime symptoms of sleep apnea…
Nighttime—snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, Daytime—hyperactivity, inattention, behavior problems and daytime sleepiness.
ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY
Oral appliance Therapy is an alternative treatment to the CPAP machine.The custom made appliance maintains the lower jaw and back of the tongue in a forward position preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep. The results of a follow up sleep study with the appliance in place are impressive. Complaints of daytime sleepiness and fatigue are in the past and overall general health is improved.
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine recently published a position paper on the use of oral appliances in the treatment of sleep apnea (Sleep, Feb. 2006). They can be used as a first line of therapy for mild to moderate sleep apnea, as well as for people with severe sleep apnea who have failed CPAP.
SNORING
Although it may seem physically harmless, snoring can be a red flag for a much more serious condition called "obstructive sleep apnea". Snoring occurs when the soft palate and tongue relax onto the back of the throat and PARTIALLY block the flow of air. These structures vibrate while you are breathing which results with the often loud sound we know as snoring.
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat and TOTALLY block the flow of air to your lungs and body. When the oxygen level in yur brain becomes low enough in your brain, your body reacts by awakening you just enough so that you can reopen your airway, usually with a loud gasp for air. Because of the frequent arousals, people with sleep apnea do not spend enough time in the deep, restful stages of sleep.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE SLEEP APNEA?
The only way to know for certain is to get a polysomnogram or sleep study. A doctor who specializes in sleep problems can then make the proper diagnosis. Back to top
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