Snoring is a very recognizable symptom and warning sign of sleep apnea, which is a very serious and common sleep disorder. Sleep apnea is a condition where one does not get enough oxygen during sleep. This means unrestful sleep and danger of serious medical conditions including death. One in four adults has sleep apnea and the odds of contracting this condition increase with age.

Snoring

Snoring occurs when the airway or passage through which we breathe becomes partially blocked or occluded. An example would be a tongue that falls back as we drift off into deeper sleep. As the diameter or size of the airway passage is shrinking, the net result is a muffled sound secondary to vibrations in the throat, or snoring.

In many situations, this compromise is minor and the body continues to get adequate amounts of oxygen to cause little or no harm. However, this is a red flag as it could also be one of the early signs or a part of sleep apnea. Most all sleep apnea sufferers snore in between bouts of apnea, or oxygen interruption. A sleep study should be done to determine the seriousness of one’s condition.

What is Sleep Apnea

The Greek word “apnea” means “without breath”. There are three types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is a condition where the brain does not send a signal to the body to breathe. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where there is a physical obstruction to inhibit breathing. The last type of sleep apnea is mixed, where there is an obstruction to breathing and a brain signal issue. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type.

Who has Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is very common. One out of four adults has sleep apnea and the odds get higher as you get older. Forty percent of snorers have sleep apnea. Risk factors include males, overweight, diabetics, and high blood pressure. Take the Sleepiness Test to find out if you have Sleep Apnea. seriousness of one’s condition.

Sleep apnea patients have a rough night and don’t even know it is happening. In a given night, these apneic events (when a patient stops breathing) can occur anywhere from 30 – 50 times, and in some people as many as 60 – 100 times per hour! Obviously, these individuals awake exhausted and spent each morning, as they’ve been fighting for oxygen all night. Sleep should be a replenishing award for each of us.

Should you be worried? Well, to answer that, first analyze some signs and symptoms of sleep apnea sufferers. Common side effects of sleep apnea patients are:

• heart attacks or irregular heart beats
• impotence
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• heartburn
• morning headaches
• dry mouth
• GERD
• depression
• decreased libido
• irritability

… and the obvious one, chronic sleepiness. A Sleep Observers Questionnaire should be filled out by anyone who regularly observes the potential sleep apneic. Not all apneics will score high, but if you do, it is a very good sign of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).

It can also cause learning or memory disabilities, as well as periods of nodding off while on the phone or at work. Obviously, sleep apnea patients are at a much greater risk of having auto accidents.

People most likely to have or develop sleep apnea include those we’ve mentioned already who snore, or who are also overweight, or have high blood pressure. Another concern would be people who have some physical abnormality in the nose (deviated septum’s), throat, or other parts of the upper airway.

How is Sleep Apnea treated?

In dental office, snoring and sleep apnea can be treated with a unique approach. For example, doctors can provide you with a home monitor to help you (and us) assess whether or not sleep apnea should be a concern. The gold standard for treatment of sleep apnea is presently with the CPAP machine. However, only a minority of CPAP owners are still compliant after one year. If you are one of the non-compliant, doctors can fabricate an oral appliance that will help open your airway and reduce the severity of your sleep apnea.

These appliances reduce sleep apnea associated health risks without the need for surgery, medications, or other therapies. A custom oral appliance worn while sleeping, they hold the lower jaw forward and open, preventing the tongue and throat tissues from collapsing the critical airway. There is a 96% success rate (snoring) for people treated with these appliances

Types of Appliances

All dental appliances position the lower jaw down and forward of the natural jaw position which has the effect of tightening the soft tissue at the back of the throat, which prevents it from collapsing. One of the popular ones is the Somnomed MAS. The fin-coupling mechanism on the lower arch of the SomnoMed splint ensures that your lower jaw (mandible) remains in the correct position, whether you sleep with your mouth open or closed – or open your mouth for any other reason, such as to take a drink. This freedom to move your jaw up and down, without compromising the effectiveness of the device, is a unique feature of the SomnoMed MAS.

The TAP Appliance uses thermoplastic bases and a unique adjustable bar and hook arrangement in the front of the appliance to achieve effective positioning and comfort. The custom designed bases are well retained through frictional grip on the teeth, the hook from the upper engages the bar on the lower and the projecting handle are rotated to attain the desired forward position. Some lateral as well as a little vertical movement is possible, and all of the adjusting mechanism is located at the front of the appliance.

The SILENT NITE device does not interfere with breathing through the mouth, and is one of the more comfortable designs. It is not made for severe grinders, but it is a comparatively small device with tiny connectors attached to transparent flexible upper and lower forms.

More appliances are being invented and/or awaiting FDA approval all the time. Doctors treat each patient individually, so they might suggest a specific appliance for you, but a different one for your spouse.

Whether it’s snoring that has forced you into a life on the couch or a more serious apnea problem, please call or schedule an appointment with a professional today to discuss your condition!