Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition in which an individual repeatedly stops breathing while he or she sleeps. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, caused by a blockage of the airway. This blockage could be excess tissue in the nasal passages or behind the tongue in the oral pharynx and hypopharynx of the airway.
Causes of
Sleep Apnea
There are a number of potential causes. Sleep apnea is usually caused by mechanical and structural problems in the airway that interrupt breathing while you sleep. It may also occur when the throat and tongue muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway. In obese individuals, sleep apnea may be caused by narrowing of the airway by excess tissue in the throat and neck.
Who is
At Risk?
Virtually anyone can develop sleep apnea. It’s estimated that over 15 million Americans suffer from this condition. It is found more often in men than women. Individuals who snore loudly and are overweight, or have high blood pressure, are at the highest risk. Some studies suggest hereditary may also be a factor.
Snoring vs.
Sleep Apnea
Snoring occurs when your throat and tongue muscles relax to the point where the airway is narrowed and partially obstructed. As the air passes through, the structures in the throat vibrate and produce snoring. Although snoring is a strong indication of sleep apnea, the two don’t always go together.
During an “apneic event,” your body experiences an increased amount of carbon dioxide and a decrease in oxygen. This alerts the brain to open the airways, usually accompanied by a snort or gasp, and a short rise out of sleep that you may not even be aware of. These arousals can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Many patients awaken 40–60 times an hour due to apnea but have no idea when they wake in the morning.
Effects of
Sleep Apnea
The number one effect of sleep apnea is a lack of quality sleep. This can lead to simple problems such as drowsiness during the day or trouble concentrating, and to more serious problems such as stroke, heart disease, memory loss, depression, or suicide.
Learn the many reasons a person can have a compromised tongue/jaw relationship that changes how they breathe or swallow.
Inadequate jaw size– “Western” diets tend to cause smaller jaws and crooked teeth, as well as excessive cavities.
Tongue is too big– Some people are born with a ten-gallon tongue and a five-gallon mouth.
Removal of teeth– Teeth are often removed for esthetic purposes or orthodontic convenience. Expanding the jaw is frequently preferable, but a more complex solution.
Crooked teeth– The teeth can be in the way of where the tongue would like to go. If the tongue cannot come up and forward properly, it is forced backward into the pharynx (throat). The result is a “choking” phenomenon that can adversely affect the rest of the body.
Mismatched dentistry– The majority of crowns put in the mouth are larger than the original tooth. They can also be too small. Both problems can impair tongue position and function.
Trauma– Damage to the jaws and related structures can disrupt this key oral system.[/ultimate_modal]
Learn the major consequences of an impaired tongue/jaw relationship and also a list of ailments that are linked between sleep apnea and TMJ.
Disturbed sleep can make a person drowsy during the day. Fatigue is the main complaint expressed by apnea sufferers. But that’s only the beginning of the problems. Sleep apnea has been linked to these conditions:
- Accidents
- Increased Mortality
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Inability to lose weight
- Diabetes
- Poor Quality of Life
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Increased Healthcare Costs
- Weight Gain – Slow Metabolism
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
How can you tell if you or a loved one suffers from OSA?
- ADD and ADHD symptoms
- Lack of concentration – Inability to focus
- Depression
- Morning headaches upon awakening
- Dry mouth
- Restless sleep
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Sexual dysfunction – Erectile Dysfunction
- Falling asleep while driving, working and reading
- Short Term Memory loss
- Gasping and choking during sleep
- Sleepiness and fatigue during the day
- General tiredness throughout the day
- Snoring with pauses in breathing
- Heartburn or Acid Reflux
- Sore throat
- Irritability and Anxiety
Contact us today for your own sleep disorder evaluation.[/ultimate_modal]
Fox Business News discusses the dangers of sleep apnea and if it may have been a factor in the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
