Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder affecting millions of Americans, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur many times throughout the night. While seemingly harmless, sleep apnea can disrupt sleep and have serious health consequences.

Types of Sleep Apnea:

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type. OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat relax and collapse during sleep, blocking the airway.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This less common type occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Mixed: A combination of both OSA and CSA.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea:

Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea. The sound of snoring is caused by the vibration of the relaxed soft tissues in the back of the throat as air passes through. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud and frequent snoring can be a warning sign.

Risk Factors:

Age and Gender: Sleep apnea is more common in men over 40, but it can affect anyone, including children.
Weight: Being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of OSA.
Neck Circumference: A large neck circumference can indicate a narrower airway.
Family History: A family history of sleep apnea can increase your risk.
Anatomy: Certain physical characteristics, such as a small jaw, large tonsils, or a deviated septum, can increase the risk.
Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances can relax the throat muscles, making airway blockage more likely.
Smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea:

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Heart Disease (Heart Attack, Stroke, Heart Failure)
Type 2 Diabetes
Depression
Daytime Fatigue and Cognitive Impairment
Increased Risk of Accidents

Diagnosis:

A sleep study is the standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea. This test monitors your breathing, heart rate, brain waves, and blood oxygen levels during sleep.

Treatment Options:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth during sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous stream of air, keeping the airway open. While effective, some people find CPAP uncomfortable or cumbersome.
Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted oral appliances, often made by a dentist or orthodontist, can help reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. These are generally more comfortable than CPAP but may be less effective for severe sleep apnea.
Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss (if overweight), avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and sleeping on your side can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Surgery:
- Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP): LAUP uses a CO2 laser to remove tissue in the soft palate and uvula, reducing snoring and potentially improving mild to moderate sleep apnea. There may be some pain, and recovery can take up to two weeks.
- Solea Sleep Laser Treatment: Solea Sleep is a non-surgical, minimally invasive laser treatment that uses a specific wavelength of CO2 laser energy to tighten the collagen fibers in the soft palate. This tightening helps reduce the vibrations that cause snoring and can improve mild to moderate sleep apnea by opening the airway. The procedure is typically quick, often requires no anesthesia, and patients usually experience little to no discomfort. It primarily addresses snoring and may not be suitable for severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Choosing the Right Treatment:
It is important to consult with your doctor and dentist about the correct option for your situation.

By Alexander Ash, DDS

Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.