Snoring and OSA
Snoring and OSA are common problems that can affect your sleep, health and have significant impact on your quality of life.
Often snoring is a symptom of OSA, caused by changes in your upper airway while you sleep. Your airway may narrow, limiting
air flow as you breath. Your soft tissue may vibrate (this is commonly known as snoring), or it may completely collapse,
causing you to stop breathing. Collapsing of the soft tissue is called an Obstructive Apnea, and may last for 10 seconds or
more. Your airway may even move through all three stages during the night.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Loud snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Reduced resistance to infection
- Choking or Gasping for breath
Almost half of all adults snore, and the problem may be worse with overweight people.
Snoring occurs when there is a partial obstruction to the free flow of air through the mouth and nose. The sound occurs
when loose structures in the throat, like the uvula and soft palate, vibrate as air passes over them. Snoring can get worse
when the muscles in the back of the throat are too relaxed either from drugs that induce sleep or alcohol consumption. Snoring
can also be caused by a large uvula, soft palate, nasal congestion, a deviated septum or other obstructions in the nasal and
pharyngeal airways.In children, large tonsils and adenoids can be the cause of snoring. Pregnant women snore because of a
narrowing of the airway and increased weight.
Did you know?
- 90% of stroke victims also suffer from OSA.
- People with OSA are 4 times more likely to have a heart attack
- If you have OSA, then you are twice as likely to die in your sleep and 7 times more likely to have a motor vehicle accident.
- OSA patients are 40% greater risk of having depression.
- Individuals with OSA are more likely to have sexual impotence and develop diabetes.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Risk Factors
| • Stroke |
• Excessive daytime sleepiness |
• Irritability |
| • Diabetes |
• Driving and work-related accidents |
• Decreased sex drive |
| • Obesity |
• Depression |
• Impaired concentration |
| • Memory loss |
• Morning headaches |
• High blood pressure |
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can be serious medical problems. Improperly treated obstructive sleep apnea can increase
the risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other serious illnesses. Choosing a sleep-disorders dentist who is qualified to
work with your physician is essential to your health or the health of a loved one.
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