Sleep disorders affect around 70 million americans.
Are you one of them?
While obstructive sleep apnea, chronic snoring, and TMJ disorder are common sleep disorders affecting our patients, there are other sleep breathing disorders that can have an equally serious impact on health and quality of life. We use the term “sleep disordered breathing” to encompass a wide variety of conditions linked to narrowing or obstructing the upper airway during sleep. The resulting abnormal breathing patterns can lead to other complications, some of which can be life-threatening.
Don't waste another day with poor quality sleep that leaves you exhausted -- call us today and start getting some answers!
Don't waste another day with poor quality sleep that leaves you exhausted -- call us today and start getting some answers!
Central sleep apnea
Central Sleep Apnea causes breathing to stop and start during sleep. Unlike Obstructive Sleep Apnea, these events are not caused by an obstruction in the airway. Instead, the occur because the brain does not send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. Central Sleep Apnea is less common than Obstructive Sleep Apnea and may be harder to detect. Some doctors estimate that central sleep apnea is responsible for around 20% of sleep apnea cases, but other estimates are much lower.
Central Sleep Apnea can be a side effect of other conditions like heart failure or stroke, or a side effect of certain medications. In other cases, central sleep apnea can be caused by sleeping at high altitudes. Central sleep apnea is more common in older adults and more likely in men than women. Treatment for central sleep apnea typically involved a pressurized airway device like a CPAP.
Central Sleep Apnea can be a side effect of other conditions like heart failure or stroke, or a side effect of certain medications. In other cases, central sleep apnea can be caused by sleeping at high altitudes. Central sleep apnea is more common in older adults and more likely in men than women. Treatment for central sleep apnea typically involved a pressurized airway device like a CPAP.
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Central Sleep Apnea Symptoms During the Day
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Central Sleep Apnea Symptoms at Night
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Pediatric sleep disordered breathing
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Sleep-disordered breathing is just as serious in children as it is in adults. Breathing issues can range from frequent snoring to obstructive sleep apnea. Doctors estimate that around 10 percent of children snore regularly, while two to four percent experience obstructive sleep apnea. Symptoms include snoring, irritability, bedwetting, learning difficulties, slow growth, obesity, and more. In many cases, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the culrpits for sleep disordered breathing in children.
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Treatment for pediatric sleep disordered breathing varies depending on the severity of the condition and range from conservative options to surgical intervention. For some, bite alignment issues contribute to their sleep-disordered breathing and can be alleviated through orthodontic treatment. Successful diagnosis and treatment of pediatric sleep breathing disorders often involves successful collaboration between your child’s pediatrician, our team, and our professional partners.
Catathrenia
Catathrenia is a rare sleep disorder involving irregular groans while sleeping. Unlike snoring, which is produce on inhalation, the groaning sound due to catathrenia occurs during exhalation. Scientists are still working to determine whether the cause is physical or neurological. Side effects can include sore throat, fatigue, and dizziness.
Sleep-related hypoventilation |
Sleep-related hypoxemia |
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Sleep-related hypoventilation often appears simultaneiously with other sleep disorders. It interrupts normal sleep and can lead to low levels of oxygen or elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. A variety of conditions can contribute to sleep-related hypoventilation.
Symptoms vary but can include daytime sleepiness, insomnia, stomach issues, faintness, and difficulty breathing. Diagnosis often involves a blood gas test and an overnight sleep study. |
Sleep-related hypoxemia is characterized by low oxygen levels in the blood. Typically, sleep-related hypoxemia is related to sleep-disordered breathing. Oxygen levels below 90 percent indicate hypoxemia while levels below 80 percent indicate severe hypoxemia.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and rapid or shallow breathing. In children, breathing through the mouth or excessive drooling can be signs of hypoxemia. |
Other Sleep disorders
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There are over 85 sleep disorders recognized by medical professionals. The most common include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome.
Many people may experience multiple sleep disorders concurrently. Good sleep hygiene can help alleviate many sleeping problems, but many sleep disorders will require additional treatment to help you get the good sleep you need. |
If you sleep at least seven hours nightly but regularly wake up tired and have trouble staying awake throughout the day, you may be experiencing a sleep disorder. At Sleep Easy, we take a team approach to diagnosing and treating our patients that experience sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ pain, and other sleep disorders. We welcome patients with complex medical histories who may have exhausted other treatment options!
