Solutions for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

SNORING

Snoring is the sound of obstructed breathing during sleep. While snoring can be harmless (begin snoring), it can also be the sign of a more serious medical condition which progresses from upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to obstructive sleep apnea.(OSA) Snoring occurs when the structures in the throat are large and when the muscles relax enough to cause the airway to narrow and partially obstruct the flow of air. As air tries to passes through these obstructions, the throat structures vibrate causing the sound we know as snoring. Large tonsils, a long soft palate and uvula and excess fat deposits contribute to soft tissue narrowing.

If sleepy automobile drivers are frightening, think about the same sleepy driver behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler. Some estimates point out that as much as 28 percent of truckers may be affected by sleep apnea because of their sedentary life style, eating habits and obesity. The U.S. DOT is proposing that truckers be screened for sleep apnea before getting their license.

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and air flow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough,  the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp. People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep, and low blood oxygen levels. OSA has been associated with cardiovascular problems and excessive daytime sleepiness. The condition know as upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) lies midway between begin snoring and true obstructive sleep apnea. People with UARS suffer many of the symptoms of OSA but normal sleep testing will be negative.

PREVALENCE OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Everyone knows someone with Diabetes or Asthma, but did you know that Obstructive Sleep Apnea is as prevalent as these common problems?

• Roughly 1 out of 5 adults has at least mild OSA
• Over 18 million people in the United States alone have sleep apnea
• Millions more snore
• 90% of sleep apneics remain undiagnosed and untreated
• Almost as many traffic accidents are caused by sleep apnea as DUI
• The risk for sleep apnea is 2 to 3 times greater in men than women
• The risk to women greatly increases after menopause
• Pregnancy may be a time of particular risk for women
• OSA is the most common chronic disease in industrialized societies
• 27% of all children are affected by habitual snoring
• 2 to 3% of all children have OSA
• The problem is getting worse due to increasing obesity

LONG TERM HEALTH EFFECTS

• Chronic Sleeplessness
• Heart Attack
• High Blood Pressure
• Stroke/Headaches
• Heartburn
• Depression

QUALITY OF LIFE

Night after night of improper sleep and breathing takes its toll on our quality of life and may include the following:

• Always being tired, no energy
• Feeling of depression
• Easily irritated
• Falling asleep at inappropriate times
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Wake up with headache
• Others are frustrated
• Decreased sex drive

Unfortunately, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea doesn't only affect the person with the problem. Anyone who has slept with a person who snores knows it can disrupt his or her sleep as well. This second-hand snoring can cause the bed-partner experiences which may lead to martial discord and adverse health consequences.

SLEEP APNEA AND PREGNANCY

Obstructive sleep apnea has been noted in pregnancy. According to some researchers, the airway of pregnant women narrows in the last trimester of pregnancy.

It has been found that if a woman has severe snoring or sleep apnea, the health of both the mother and the fetus can suffer. The lack of oxygen caused by the obstructive events in sleep apnea can have adverse health outcomes for both the mother and child. One study is investigating the link between snoring, sleep apnea and low birth weight.

A recent study found that pregnant women who have sleep-disordered breathing may have an elevated risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure including eclampsia and pre-eclampsia.

If you or a loved one is pregnant, be sure to watch out for the signs of sleep apnea.

The METZ Center Solutions

Founded by James Metz, DDS, The METZ Center for Sleep Apnea provides patients with a healthy alternative to treatment devices like the CPAP and medications. Schedule a patient consultation and resolve your sleep and snoring problems once and for all.