Sleep Apnea: Everything You Need to Know
Table of Contents
- Overview of Sleep Apnea
- What is Sleep Apnea?
- Types of Sleep Apnea
- What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
- Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Factors Contributing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Importance of Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea
- Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Overview of Sleep Apnea
It is estimated that up to 70 million people in America have a sleep disorder. The most common sleep disorder is obstructive sleep apnea. Approximately 3-7% of men and 2-5% of women have sleep apnea. What else should we know about sleep apnea and what to do about it?
What is Sleep Apnea?
All types of sleep apnea are intermittent pauses in breathing while sleeping. The term “apnea” means there are breathing pauses that last more than 10 seconds or more. These pauses cause repeated awakenings throughout the night as there is a struggle to breathe. Severe sleep apnea can cause a person to have these partial sleep arousals over a hundred times per night. Exhaustion and drowsiness are common even when the person thinks they had a full night's sleep.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are two main types of sleep apnea, but a third less common type does exist:
- Central Sleep Apnea: Caused by the brain not properly sending a signal to your respiratory muscles for you to breathe.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This condition is caused by airway restriction from the relaxation of muscles of respiration and relaxation of your tongue, which can occupy space in your airway.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of central and obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep apnea is concerning because obstructive sleep apnea may be resolved with a CPAP or mandibular advancement device, but due to central sleep apnea, sleep arousals and pauses in breathing persist.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a restricted airway that closes off air getting to your lungs. This can be due to anatomical restrictions in the size of your airway, when the muscles relax and close off the airway, or your tongue, tonsils/adenoids occupy too much space within your airway.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Snoring
- Gasping for air during the night
- Awakening with a very dry mouth
- Morning headache
- Grinding/clenching of your teeth
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
- Excessive daytime drowsiness (hypersomnia)
- Irritability
- Difficulty paying attention during the day
Factors Contributing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Excess weight
- Neck thickness
- Narrowed airway
- Male gender
- Older age
- Alcohol or sedatives
- Family history
- Smoking
- Nasal congestion
- Medical conditions
Why is it Important to Diagnose and Treat Sleep Apnea?
The constant restriction of air at night can lead to very serious complications. In addition to daytime sleepiness, sudden drops in blood oxygen levels increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. Other medical conditions resulting from obstructive sleep apnea include liver problems, type 2 diabetes, and complications from medications and surgery. Diagnosing sleep apnea requires a sleep study, which can be done in your own bed. Systems are available for at-home tracking of your sleep and breathing, with results interpreted by a doctor.
Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- CPAP: Continuous positive air pressure keeps the airway open by pushing air through the nose. It involves tubing and a mask and is often considered uncomfortable.
- MAD: A mandibular advancement device can be made by a dentist or sleep specialist. This appliance maintains an open airway by moving the lower jaw forward. It's more comfortable than a CPAP.
- Inspire Sleep Apnea: A new method involving an implant that stimulates respiratory muscles to keep the airway open. It's controlled by a remote, ensuring it's only active during sleep.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
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