Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and potentially life-threatening medical disorder that prevents airflow during sleep. More than 18 million Americans are afflicted with this disorder, 80-90% of who are undiagnosed and untreated.

OSA occurs when tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to all of your organs, including the heart and brain. The body momentarily wakes up each time the blood-oxygen level drops, so you may wake up in the morning feeling unrefreshed.

OSA can cause snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, memory loss, depression, impaired concentration, and headaches. OSA also substantially increases the risk for stroke, diabetes, and heart problems, such as heart attack, congestive heart failure, and hypertension.

Symptoms of OSA:

• Snoring
• Restless sleep
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Nasal obstruction
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Poor memory/concentration
• Poor academic/work performance

Risk factors for OSA:

• High blood pressure
• Obesity (neck size greater than 17 inches)
• Bruxism (grinding/clenching/tooth wear)
• GERD
• Mouth breathing
• Narrow airway
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Male
• Age 65 or older

Treatment options:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): A machine that keeps your airway open by providing a steady stream of air through a tube connected to a mask that you wear while you sleep. CPAP is considered the gold standard of OSA treatment; however, many patients find that they cannot tolerate it as they find it to be awkward, inconvenient, or claustrophobic.
  
  
• Oral appliance (OA): Small plastic device that fits in the mouth during sleep, like a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. OAs help prevent collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, keeping the airway open during sleep and promoting adequate air intake. OAs may be used alone or in combination with other OSA treatments, such as CPAP, surgery, or weight management.
  
  
• Surgery: A surgeon can prevent airway collapses by eliminating tissue in the soft palate, uvula, and tongue. More complex surgical procedures can reposition the anatomic structure of your mouth and facial bones.
  
  
• Lifestyle changes: Improving sleep hygiene, exercise, and weight loss.

If you are concerned you may have OSA, we are happy to screen you and refer you to one of the area sleep specialist we work with if you do have signs and symptoms of OSA.