Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder, which occurs during sleep, due to the narrowing or total closure of the airway.
Obstructive sleep apnea is very common and potentially life-threatening medical disorder that prevents airflow during sleep. More than 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Although OSA sufferers may experience hundreds of apnea episodes per night, they are unlikely to remember any of them and many are not receiving treatment. In fact, if the sufferer lives alone or sleeps separately they may not be aware of their condition, even after many years.
Sleep apnea occurs when tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway. This phenomenon results in reduction in the amount of oxygen delivered to all of your organs including your heart and brain. The brain then detects the lack of oxygen and prompts a momentary arousal to draw breath. When the blood-oxygen level drops low enough, the body momentarily wakes up. It can happen so fast that you may not be aware you woke up. This can happen hundreds of times a night, and you may wake up in the morning feeling unrefreshed.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
An overnight sleep study (Polysomnogram), is required by your physician to properly diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep specialist will look for other medical conditions ,other sleep disorders,medication, mental health disorders, and substance abuse that may mimic or worsen the symptoms of OSA.
In addition to snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea can contribute to memory loss, morning headaches, irritability, depression, decreased sex drive and impaired concentration. Sleep apnea patients have a much higher risk of stroke and heart problems, such as heart attack, congestive heart failure and hypertension. Sleep apnea patients are also more likely to be involved in an accident at the workplace or while driving.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Unrefreshed sleep
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Waking from sleep with a choking sound or gasping for breath
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Depression
- Decreased sex drive
- Impaired concentration
Dr. Chahine is one of a select few dentists in the State of Connecticut who is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. She will ensure that you in seek help from a sleep physician regarding your condition.
Treatment Options
- CPAP Continuous positive airway pressure.
- Oral Appliance Therapy
- Upper Airway Surgery
These modalities may be used alone or in combination with other treatments for sleep apnea, including behavioral changes or CPAP. Behavioral therapies include weight loss, avoidance of alcohol and tobacco and sleeping on your side, and may reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
The material above is provided by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.