Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder. It occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses, temporarily blocking the airway. When this happens, it blocks the airflow to the lungs decreasing Oxygen levels in the blood signaling to your brain to wake up. It happens so quickly that the sleeper may not even remember the arousal.

Subconsciously waking up several times a night disrupts the much-needed healthy sleep that our bodies need overnight to reset and restore. Chronic and untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

What are signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?

Snoring
Tiredness
Daytime drowsiness (falling asleep when working, reading, watching TV,
or behind the wheel)
Observed Apnea
Morning headaches
Memory or concentration problems
Waking up frequently to urinate
Dry mouth when you wake up

Treatment:

Lifestyle changes: this could include weight loss in case patient is overweight or obese
Sleep on the side to help keep an open airway
Avoid alcohol and sedative medications that can make it more easy for your airway to collapse when you sleep
Oral appliances/breathing devices (CPAP machines)
Surgery, or a combination of the above options

To learn more about treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, schedule an appointment at CityZEN Dental. Book a consultation online, or call the office today.