What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common condition that causes sufferers to briefly stop breathing throughout the night. The most common symptom is snoring, though those who have sleep apnea tend to feel tired or fatigued throughout the day. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed through a sleep study.

Sleep apnea is usually caused by the muscles in the back of the throat relaxing too much, thus restricting airflow. This can cause snoring, but can also cause a patient to stop breathing completely for seconds or even minutes.

Symptoms of sleep apnea

You may be suffering from sleep apnea if you snore loudly during the night, wake up frequently, or feel tired during the day. Your sleep apnea symptoms may be a sign that you need to seek treatment.

Sleep study

A sleep study is an overnight test that records body functions while you are sleeping. It is performed in the sleep lab.

A sleep study is often used to diagnose sleep apnea. The test records your breathing and heart rate patterns. It also records your brain waves, eye movement, limb movements, body positions, and oxygen levels.

CPAP and oral device therapy

Oral appliance therapy is often used in conjunction with CPAP therapy. Oral appliances are custom-fit, removable mouthpieces that prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, which contribute to snoring and sleep apnea. Oral appliances are an excellent alternative to CPAP therapy for many patients, but may not provide the same degree of symptom relief.

Surgery

A dentist or oral surgeon may refer a patient to a sleep center for surgical corrections to improve sleep apnea. In many cases, the surgery involves removal of soft tissue in the back of the mouth and/or tongue. This soft tissue can block the airway during sleep.

Another option for correcting sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure therapy. This treatment involves wearing a mask over the nose while you sleep. The mask forces air into the throat to keep the airway open.

Dental appliances

A dentist may prescribe a dental appliance for sleep apnea. These devices are designed to keep your throat open while you sleep. This keeps your airway open, preventing sleep apnea symptoms.

Some examples of appliances include:

1. Tongue retaining device

A tongue retaining device is designed to keep your tongue from collapsing to the back of your throat. This prevents your airway from closing.

Improving your sleep habits

Our team might recommend lifestyle changes to improve your sleep habits. For instance, taking a warm bath or drinking calming tea can help you calm down before bed. There are also devices that can help you breathe better during sleep, such as continuous positive airway pressure therapy.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. The pauses last for at least 10 seconds and can occur up to 300 times in one sleep session. Each pause in breathing can last for several seconds, and the episodes are accompanied by loud snoring.

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you’re not alone

According to research, 22% of adults in the U.S. suffer from sleep apnea. That’s 22% of men and 18% of women.

Sleep apnea affects people of all ages and ethnicities. It’s not always easy to spot, however. The most common symptoms are daytime sleepiness and snoring. Although, there are other symptoms as well, such as morning headaches and dry mouth.

OSA is a common condition that affects many people. Approximately 20 million adults in the U.S. have sleep apnea, and the condition is even more common among older adults.

OSA occurs when your airway is partially or completely obstructed during sleep. The obstruction may occur when the soft tissue at the back of your throat collapses and blocks your airway. OSA can also result from a blockage in your nose or mouth.

OSA is serious because it can lead to other health problems, including:

- High blood pressure

- Heart disease

- Stroke

- Memory problems

- Diabetes

- Obesity

- Dementia