Snoring is one of the most common sleep-related health issues; an estimated 2 in 5 adults snore. Snoring can be disruptive and frustrating, but it can also be an indicator that you may be suffering from another, far more serious sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea. A blockage in your airway is the root cause of this disorder, which causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while you sleep. These pauses can occur multiple times throughout the night, disrupting normal breathing patterns and resulting in daytime fatigue and an increased risk of life-threatening health complications.

OSA symptoms include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, extreme daily fatigue, difficulties concentrating, and waking up with a headache. To help manage OSA symptoms, we advise oral appliance therapy in conjunction with lifestyle changes.

In this blog, we will explore what causes OSA and some of its symptoms and complications, so you have a better understanding of how this disorder disrupts your everyday life.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which an individual’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It occurs when the tissues that line the airways relax, blocking off oxygen to the lungs and leading to pauses in breathing throughout the night. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• abnormally slow heart rate
• excessive daytime fatigue and 
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Waking up with a dry mouth 
• Headaches, especially when waking up.

It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea so that you can seek medical attention. Come in and speak with Dr. Lillenberg if you think you may be suffering from this condition. Understanding the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea can aid in the diagnosis. Among the risk factors are:

• Family history of obstructive sleep apnea.
• A thick or large neck (greater than 16 inches for women and 17 inches for men)
• Persistent nasal congestion 
• Thyroid disease or another endocrine problem
• Postmenopause
• Being obese
• Tissue damage in the tissues that support the head and neck
• Smoking
• Adenoids and tonsils that are swollen or enlarged (in children)

A diagnosis usually begins with a medical history review and physical exam by a doctor. An overnight sleep study or an in-laboratory polysomnogram to accurately assess oxygen levels and the various stages of sleep may also be required. While Dr. Lillenberg does not conduct sleep studies, he works in conjunction with other healthcare professionals to help you get the care you need.

There are three different types of obstructive sleep apnea:

• Mild
• Moderate
• Severe

Mild OSA occurs when there are 5 to 15 episodes per hour and does not usually require treatment; if it happens more than 15 times per hour, then it is considered moderate OSA and will require therapy. Severe sleep apnea causes you to wake up 30 or more times each hour. That means they stop breathing and/or wake up 240 times or more over a complete eight hours of sleep. This can be life-threatening because it necessitates emergency medical intervention for the patient.

Treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is much more than finding a way to stop snoring; most OSA treatments involve the use of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines to help keep the airways open at night. Unfortunately, CPAP usage can be uncomfortable for some people, which is why examining alternative CPAP options is important. Oral appliance therapy can be a great CPAP alternative that uses custom-made devices worn over the teeth during sleep, just like an orthodontic retainer or sports mouthguard. 

An oral device keeps your jaw forward to keep your airway clear. It can improve your quality of sleep, restore your alertness, and improve your health. A consultation with Dr. Lillenberg can help you determine whether oral appliance therapy is best for you or a loved one to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Making lifestyle changes is one of the most effective ways to manage the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Even though it may take some time for these changes to have an effect, they are essential for sustained health. These include:

• Avoiding alcohol 
• Avoiding sleeping pills 
• Losing weight
• Quitting smoking
• Exercising regularly. 

Taking action with these lifestyle measures can make all the difference in managing OSA and leading a healthier life. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be a daunting condition that presents a challenge to individuals in need of diagnosis and treatment. It's essential to seek medical advice to ensure appropriate treatment is prescribed. Ultimately, if you or someone you know is struggling with sleep disturbances due to OSA, come in and speak with Dr. Lillenberg about your treatment options.