SLEEP & SNORE SOLUTIONS
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common disorder found in many people throughout the world. Nearly twenty million Americans are diagnosed with sleep apnea. Anybody can have sleep apnea without even knowing that they do! Sleep apnea is dangerous and can take your life away while you’re asleep.
The Greek word “apnea” literally means “without breath.” What often happens is when one is asleep, the soft tissue in and around the throat, including the tongue, relax and then collapse in on the airway.
The obstructed airway is what causes the snoring sound. But the larger issue here is that the body is not breathing properly, and during an apnea event, the person will stop breathing. A more serious indication of sleep apnea outside of just snoring is when someone gasps for breath during sleep. This blockage and involuntary reaction process is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The main problem with sleep apnea is that the body is not properly oxygenating itself and not properly ridding the body of carbon dioxide. When you inhale, you breathe in much needed oxygen and when you exhale, you purge toxic carbon dioxide. Those who suffer from sleep apnea are severely disrupting this much needed body function.
When left untreated, sleep apnea can have dire consequences: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, daytime fatigue, increased chance of car accidents, diabetes, depression and weight gain. Even recent studies show links to various forms of cancer, including brain cancer.
Here at Volusia Sleep & Snore Solutions, we are committed to helping people treat this condition and achieve quality, restorative sleep. If you think you or a loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment. We can provide non-invasive solutions for disruptive snoring. By wearing a special mouthguard-like oral appliance during sleep, many people are able to reduce or eliminate their snoring and prevent apnea events from occurring.
Did You Know?
It’s estimated that as many as 90% of sleep apnea cases are undiagnosed. Many people believe snoring is just a nuisance for the bed partner, without realizing that it may be caused by obstructive sleep apnea—a potentially life-threatening condition that can be treated. This may not sound like a big deal initially, but sleep apnea can be dangerous for those who suffer from it. Also, not everyone with sleep apnea is obese. A Johns Hopkins article notes that while 20% of obese people have sleep apnea, it also affects an average of 3% of individuals of normal weight.
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Sleep Apnea Statistics
9% of middle-aged women and 25% of middle-aged men suffer from OSA.
1 in 5 adults has at least mild OSA.
That translates to 18-25 million Americans (1 in every 15) living with sleep apnea.
Possibly as few as 5% have been diagnosed, or have taken a sleep study.
A person afflicted with untreated obstructive sleep apnea is up to 4 times more likely to have a stroke, as well as 3 times more likely to have heart disease.
Approximately 50% of all patients who have hypertension, or high blood pressure, are also afflicted with obstructive sleep apnea.
People suffering from OSA are as much as 6 times more likely to be involved in a car crash than those without sleep disorders. This is due to the fact that they are drowsy from lack of sleep.
Who Is At Risk For Sleep Apnea?
Even though sleep apnea can affect anyone regardless of age, weight, and gender, these factors indicate a higher likelihood of having sleep apnea:
Mouth breathing: Sleeping with the mouth open is a sign that the nasal airway is obstructed. Nasal obstruction causes the jaw to drop, reducing the diameter of the pharyngeal airway and increasing the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea. If you know a sleeping mouth breather, they may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
Excess weight: Fat deposits around the neck and chin may obstruct your breathing. Keep in mind though, not everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight. Thin people suffer from OSA as well.
Neck size (circumference): People with large neck circumferences tend to have narrowed airways as a result. Men with a 17 inch neck size and women with a 16 inch neck size are at higher risk. Another risk factor is excess skin from the chin to the neck, often referred to as a turkey neck.
Family history: If you have family members who suffer from OSA or snoring, you may be at increased risk. There is a hereditary link associated with sleep apnea.
Use of alcohol or other sedatives: These substances cause the muscles in your throat to relax, exacerbating sleep breathing issues such as OSA.
Smoking: Smokers are three times more likely to suffer from OSA than their non-smoking counterparts. Smoking tends to cause inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, resulting in less space for air to pass through the airway.
Being a male: Men are projected to be twice as likely to have sleep apnea. This gap narrows as age increases. Once women reach menopause, the ratio is almost equal.
Age: OSA occurs significantly more often in adults that are older than 40.
A narrowed airway: You may have a naturally narrowed airway. This is more common in women than in men, and could be a strong indicator of sleep apnea in women.
Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids: Your tonsils and/or adenoids may become enlarged, which lessens the amount of room for air to pass through your airway. In children, this is the most common cause of sleep apnea, in which removal is the most effective solution.
Jaw structure: A lower jaw that is undersized compared to the upper jaw (retrognathia).
What Are The Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea?
Often the person with sleep apnea is totally unaware of the problem and will often deny the fact that he / she snores, but the bed partner will observe:
Loud snoring followed by cessation of breathing
Gasping and choking during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headaches
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