Obstructive Sleep Apnea or "OSA" is the more severe sleep breathing disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It is often, but not always, associated with snoring. Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome or "UARS" is the less severe sleep breathing disorder where the constriction of the airway disrupts the quality of sleep too. Both OSA and UARS are potentially chronic, long-lasting medical conditions that can affect your sleep, health and quality of life. Snoring is the sound emitted from the upper airway of your throat during sleep and comes from loose, relaxed tissues that vibrate while breathing. The sound emitted may come from the soft palate, tongue or both. Snoring is an indication that there is resistance through the airway, but may not be affecting the sleep of the snorer. The sound intensity varies from person to person and may be affecting the sleep of a bed partner. Snoring may be indicative of OSA and is often the precursor to developing it later in life. A sleep study is needed to make that determination.
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Experiencing mood changes, such as depression or irritability
- High blood pressure
- Nighttime sweating
- Decreased libido
- Scalloping of tongue
- Neck circumference of 16" or greater in women and 17" or greater in men
How does obstructive sleep
apnea affect me?
Sleep breathing disorders like OSA and UARS have been linked to many health disorders. The related fatigue causes many work and driving related accidents and mistakes at work, which contribute to injury and disability each year.
Getting enough sleep is not a luxury—it is something people need for good health. These disorders can be diagnosed and treated, bringing relief to those who suffer from them.
Getting enough sleep is not a luxury—it is something people need for good health. These disorders can be diagnosed and treated, bringing relief to those who suffer from them.
to learn more about how each condition
can be related to sleep apnea, click below
THE SLEEP EASY WAY
At Sleep Easy Dentistry, we understand that Sleep Apnea not only affects your sleep, but can cause serious health concerns if not treated correctly and promptly. We have a Registered Nurse on our staff who understands respiratory and systemic implications of sleep breathing disorders. Our desire is to work together with your physician to ensure that you are receiving optimal treatment for sleep apnea. Getting a good nights sleep is the first step to healing your entire body and it might be easier than you think.
Contact Us
Contact us to schedule your free consultation with one of our nurses.