Sleep Apnea and Snoring

People with sleep apnea stop breathing while they sleep, sometimes hundreds of times per night, and sometimes for a minute or longer. With normal breathing, air passes through the nose and past the flexible structures, such as the soft palate, uvula and tongue, in the back of the throat. When awake, the muscles hold this airway open. When asleep, these muscles relax, but the airway should remain open. In those who suffer from sleep apnea, the upper airway is blocked, causing oxygen levels to drop in both the brain and the blood.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

While sleeping, the airway in the throat may become partially or fully blocked, which may be caused by the following:

• Large tongue and tonsils compared to the opening in the windpipe
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular problems
• Throat and tongue muscles that are much more relaxed than normal
• Aging, which may limit the brain’s ability to keep throat muscles stiff during sleep

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea may be diagnosed by a physical examination, review of family and medical history, and a sleep study. Patients may be referred to a sleep specialist to perform a sleep study test. A polysomnogram (PSG) is the most common sleep study test for diagnosing sleep apnea. A PSG records brain activity, eye movements, heart rate and blood pressure. It also records the amount of oxygen in the blood and air movement in the lungs during breathing and snoring.

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea

The initial indications of sleep apnea are frequently noticed by relatives or individuals sharing a bed. Numerous individuals who have sleep apnea are unaware that they snore and experience breathlessness during the night. If you exhibit any of the subsequent symptoms, it is advisable to consult your physician:

• daytime sleepiness
• loud snoring followed by silent pauses
• gasping or choking during sleep
• morning headache
• irritability or mood changes
• poor concentration or memory loss
• lowered sex drive
• falling asleep while driving

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the throat closes, blocking or obstructing the airway.

Central Sleep Apnea

The airway remains open in central sleep apnea, but the brain does not send signals to the muscles involved in breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea

Mixed sleep apnea combines aspects of the obstructive and central types of apnea. A common warning sign of sleep apnea is snoring, especially when it is interspersed with gasps or lack of breathing.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes such as losing weight, cutting down on alcohol consumption and quitting smoking. Custom-made mouthpieces and nasal-training devices are also commonly used to treat sleep apnea. Other treatments may include:

Day and Night Orthotics (Splint)

A day and night orthotic or dental splint is a device that can be used to relieve the pain and discomfort of patients with sleep apnea or snoring problems. Because bruxism, jaw clenching, sleep apnea, and snoring typically occur during the night, this is when dental splints are usually worn, although it may be recommended for daytime use.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine uses a mask that fits over the mouth and nose. The machine blows air into the throat, and the pressure from the air helps keep the airway open during sleep.

Complications from Sleep Apnea

The frequent drops in blood-oxygen levels and reduced sleep quality caused by sleep apnea can trigger the release of stress hormones that may cause serious complications. Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause headaches, daytime fatigue and memory problems. More serious complications may include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart arrhythmia
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Sleep apnea can be diagnosed and effectively treated. A doctor should be consulted for the best treatment option.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

If you have any of the signs and symptoms listed above, see your family doctor. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment please contact us for a consultation at 705.302.0428 or schedule a consultation via our contact us form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action based on the recommendation of your family doctor.