Do you or someone you know snore ...gasp or choke during sleep?
Poor
quality sleep may lead to other medical problems. If you suffer from migraines, excessive day time sleepiness, morning headaches, gastric reflux or weight gain you may benefit from a consultation to determine if a non-surgical treatment for sleep breathing disorder is right for you.
Snoring may be a sign of Sleep Apnea and your dentist can help!
What is the cause of snoring and could it be a sign of something worse?
Your throat is made up of three working parts. One of those parts is the back of the tongue. This area of the mouth is where we swallow and breathe. It is also the most common area to collapse during sleep. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse onto themselves and vibrate against each other as we attempt to move air through them. This produces the sound we know as snoring. Large tonsils, a long soft palate, a large tongue, the uvula, and excess fat deposits in the throat may contribute to airway narrowing and snoring. Typically, the more narrow the airway space, the louder or more chronic the snoring.
What is Sleep Apnea?
A condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat. This blocking of the upper airway causes air flow to stop. When the oxygen level drops low enough, the brain moves out of deep sleep and the individual partially awakens. The airway then contracts and opens, causing the obstruction in the throat to clear. The flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp. When the air flow starts again, you then move back into a deep sleep. The airway muscles collapse, as you awaken with a gasp. The airway clears once again as the process repeats itself. This scenario may occur many times during the night. The combination of low oxygen levels and fragmented sleep are the major contributors to most of the ill effects that the sleep apnea patient suffers.
This cessation of breathing causes oxygen levels in the blood stream to fall leading to multiple medical problems. In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, studies show that sleep apnea patients are much more likely to suffer from heart problems (heart attack, congestive heart failure, and hypertension), strokes as well as having a higher incidence of work related and driving related accidents.
Who is at risk for sleep Apnea?
Studies show that 24% of males and 18% of females suffer from snoring.
60% of males and 40% of females over the age of 60 snores, (female snoring increases after menopause).
Children can suffer from sleep Apnea too; many children who do are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD.
A large neck size may also increase the risk too. For a man, larger than 17" and larger than 16" for a woman.
Risks may also increase with increasing alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Traditionally snoring was thought to be a sign that one is getting a good uninterrupted sleep. The truth is that snoring is disrupting a person’s sleep and a sign that something else is going on and persons with this problem are advised to seek medical attention.
- Loud snoring followed by cessation of breathing
- Gasping and choking during sleep
Other symptoms may include
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Drowsy driving
- Daytime sleepiness or waking with the feeling of not being rested.
- Morning headaches or migraine headaches
- Weight gain
If left untreated Sleep Apnea can lead to multiple medical problems such as:
- High blood pressure, hypertension, heart beat irregularity, heart failure and stroke
- Diabetes
- Accidents and injury due to lack of sleep
Treatment
Dr. Baba has many hours of training in the diagnosis and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). A non-surgical treatment for obstructions in the mouth can be a viable solution for many individuals who snore and, for those who are CPAP intolerant as well. In some cases, we can provide a night time appliance that will successfully produce relief for patients who are CPAP intolerant. Additionally, we utilize a device that allows us to screen for various degrees of Sleep Apnea in the privacy and confidentiality of your own home.
There may be circumstantial reasons for one lone night of snoring or occasional sleepiness during the day. However, if these are not occasional- if they are a part of your every day and night – medical advice and attention is recommended. Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea varies by individual and by severity of OSA but, our goal is to treat the problem in the most effective way so that you are not at risk of life-threatening medical conditions due to OSA.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine provides a self-test, visit their website to take the test and for additional information www.aadsm.org.