What sleep apnea is
In obstructive sleep apnea, part or all of the upper airway is blocked during sleep. The chest and diaphragm work harder to pull in air, and breathing can become very shallow or briefly stop. When it starts again, it often comes with a loud gasp, a snort or a jerk of the body.
Many people do not know they have it and assume they are simply not sleeping well. Because its effects often show up in the mouth and jaw, dentists can sometimes recognize the signs. Estimates suggest it affects about 2 to 9% of adults in the U.S., and many cases go undiagnosed.
How it relates to other sleep disorders
Sleep disorders fall into six groups: insomnias, hypersomnias, sleep-related breathing disorders, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias and sleep movement disorders. Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder, but interrupted breathing stresses the body and can underlie some of the others, such as parasomnias.
Causes and risk factors
Sleep apnea can appear at any age. Oral and airway factors include a narrow airway, chronic nasal congestion, bruxism (grinding or clenching) and TMJ dysfunction. Airways can be narrowed by a small jaw, tonsils that sit over the throat, a large tongue or fat deposits at the back of the throat. Other risk factors are excess weight, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, asthma, gender and genetics.
Signs and symptoms
During sleep, the brain briefly wakes you when oxygen drops, so you may not notice. A partner or relative is often the first to see loud snoring, pauses in breathing and gasping. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Restless sleep or insomnia
- Trouble concentrating
- Waking several times at night to urinate
- A dry mouth or sore throat on waking
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Heartburn
- Lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction
Treatment options
There are several ways to treat sleep apnea. If you are a good candidate for an oral appliance, we take impressions of your teeth, and you return for a fitting. You may need another sleep test while wearing the device to confirm it works, and a few visits for adjustments. These devices are discreet and easy to travel with, since they need no electricity. Other options are CPAP machines and surgery, which may suit more severe cases. We can examine you, tell you whether an oral problem is involved and help you decide on the right path.
If you or someone close to you notices loud snoring, gasping at night or constant fatigue, call (781) 289-3331.
Common questions
What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?
Because oxygen affects nearly every organ, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, memory problems, migraines, weight gain and liver problems.
What is the success rate of treatment?
It varies from person to person. Surgery is reported to work in around 60% of cases, while a CPAP machine can control the condition for many people.
Why should I seek help early?
Long-term effects include high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, heart attack and irregular heartbeat, so it is important to get help as soon as symptoms appear.
Do I need to avoid certain foods?
There are usually few restrictions unless an allergy or other factor is involved. If your case requires any, we will tell you.