What is sleep apnea?
Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea. People with this disorder take shallow breaths or literally stop breathing for short periods of time while they are sleeping. Although many people have sleep apnea, it is difficult to detect because it only occurs during sleep. Usually a sleep study is performed to diagnose the condition.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. This is when the airway is blocked or collapses, resulting in breathing pauses or shallow breathing. The pauses can range from seconds to minutes, and occur as many as 100 times per hour. The soft palate, velum, and tongue are structures of the mouth and throat that, during normal sleep, will relax without obstructing the airway. In people with OSA, these structures are either too large or relax too much, causing the airway to narrow or become completely blocked. The lack of air decreases blood oxygen levels, which in turn signals the brain to disrupt the person’s sleep; this is why the sleeper will often gasp suddenly after a pause in breathing.
The constant disruptions in breathing and sleep frequently cause sufferers to experience extreme daytime fatigue. Sleep apnea is a serious condition, and has also been associated with the following:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- Gastric Reflux
- Depression
Snoring
Although occasional snoring is usually harmless, chronic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea or other medical condition. The physical blockage of air through the mouth and nose is what causes snoring, and the actual sound comes from the vibration of the throat’s walls. Things that contribute to the obstruction of airflow include blocked nasal passages, poor muscle tone in the structures of the mouth and throat, and excess fat deposits around these structures.
In some cases, snoring can indicate upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). Unlike sleep apnea, people with UARS do not stop breathing at any point or have decreased blood oxygenation. What they experience is a decreased airflow when breathing in. The airway narrows and breathing becomes more difficult, which is why the disorder is often accompanied by snoring. People with UARS share some of the same symptoms as those with OSA, yet will test negative with sleep testing. Specialized tests including measuring changes in the pressure in the esophagus are usually needed to diagnose UARS.
How are sleep apnea and snoring treated?
Depending on the severity of the condition, there are a number of methods used to treat snoring and sleep apnea. At the extreme end, treatment can involve surgically altering the structures within the mouth to get rid of the tissue that obstructs the airway during sleep. Another treatment option is the CPAP machine. Using a mask to provide a continuous flow of air, the machine essentially “forces” the structures of the throat to keep the airway open during sleep.
The least invasive treatment involves the use of oral appliances. These small plastic devices are specially selected and designed by a dentist, who works with your physician to ensure it meets your specific needs. Depending on the patient’s case, the appliance targets different oral structures. For instance, some appliances move the jaw forward, some prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway, and others combine both techniques.
Advantages of oral appliances include that they are:
- Small and easy to take with you when traveling
- Comfortable and take just a few weeks to get used to
- Non-invasive
- Custom-made
After a few weeks to a few months of monitoring and adjusting the appliance, your initial treatment is complete. From that point on your dentist will periodically check to make sure your oral appliance still suits your needs, though short-term success will often predict long-lasting benefits. Do you live in or around Fresno? Call us today to find our about our sedation options.
