Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to blocked airways. These interruptions can lead to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood, causing a variety of health problems. In addition, the structure of your jaw, cranium or neck can contribute to this problem as well as excessive body weight. OSA is a big deal. Alarmingly, a 2019 study funded by ResMed found that as many as 936 million adults worldwide suffer from mild to severe OSA. This statistic highlights the widespread nature of this disorder and underscores the importance of understanding its effects and seeking proper treatment.

As you go through your sleep cycles (4 or 5 times per night), it is interrupted by your soft tissue within the mouth settling down and blocking the airway. This blocks or limits the air getting through. The brain detects this. The continual triggering of waking up by your brain is needed for survival but causes disruption to your sleep. Your muscles are tightened within your neck and your head. This creates the airway to open up. Now, your sleep cycle has been disrupted. Your sleep cycle will resume once your blood oxygen levels increase back to normal. This disruption usually happens during stage three of sleep or the REM sleep stage.

The Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease

The connection between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease is well-documented. OSA can contribute to high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes, primarily due to the stress that frequent breathing interruptions place on the heart. These interruptions cause a decrease in blood oxygen levels, leading the heart to work harder to pump oxygen throughout the body. Over time, this strain can result in significant cardiovascular problems. The repetitive cycle of reduced oxygen levels and abrupt awakenings can lead to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which further exacerbates hypertension and cardiovascular strain. Additionally, individuals with OSA are at a higher risk of developing arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats that can lead to more severe heart conditions. The cumulative effect of these cardiovascular stresses emphasizes the importance of managing OSA to protect heart health.

The Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Daily Life

Living with obstructive sleep apnea can significantly disrupt daily life, leading to chronic fatigue, mood swings and difficulty concentrating. Frequent awakenings throughout the night result in fragmented sleep, preventing the body from achieving the deep, restorative rest it needs. This constant tiredness can make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming, affecting productivity at work and diminishing the quality of interactions with family and friends.

One of the most troubling aspects of OSA is its impact on cognitive functions. Sufferers often experience memory lapses, slower reaction times and poor focus, which can hinder their ability to perform well in both personal and professional settings. These cognitive issues are especially concerning in situations that require sustained attention, such as driving. The risk of accidents increases as drowsiness impairs judgment and reaction speed.

Additionally, the sleep deprivation caused by OSA can lead to irritability and mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The emotional toll of constantly feeling exhausted and unwell can strain personal relationships, creating tension and misunderstandings. Partners of those with OSA may also suffer from disrupted sleep due to the noise of snoring and frequent awakenings, further affecting the household’s overall well-being.

Furthermore, the physical discomfort associated with untreated OSA can lead to a vicious cycle of poor sleep and health issues. Those suffering from the condition may develop habits that further exacerbate the problem, such as relying on caffeine or sugar for energy, which can lead to weight gain and worsen sleep apnea symptoms. This can perpetuate a cycle of declining health and increasing sleep difficulties.

Overall, the day-to-day impact of obstructive sleep apnea extends far beyond mere inconvenience, affecting various aspects of life and health. Addressing the condition is crucial not only for improving sleep quality but also for enhancing overall quality of life.

Risks of Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) poses severe risks that extend far beyond daily inconveniences. One of the most alarming concerns is the heightened risk of cardiovascular complications. As previously discussed, the stress placed on the heart due to frequent interruptions in breathing can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. This constant strain on the cardiovascular system significantly increases the likelihood of severe heart-related events, which can be fatal.

Another critical risk associated with untreated OSA is the potential for developing metabolic disorders. For instance, sleep apnea has been linked to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. The disrupted sleep patterns and reduced oxygen levels in the blood can interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, raising blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, research indicates a potential connection between sleep apnea and cancer. Studies suggest that the intermittent lack of oxygen (hypoxia) experienced by individuals with OSA may promote tumor growth and spread. Although the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, this association underscores the seriousness of untreated sleep apnea.

Cognitive and psychological impacts are also significant. Chronic sleep deprivation caused by OSA can lead to memory problems, poor focus and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. These issues can severely affect daily functioning and overall mental health, leading to a diminished quality of life.

The risks are not confined to the individual alone. Partners of those with OSA often experience disrupted sleep due to the noise of snoring and frequent awakenings, which can affect their health and well-being as well.

Research indicates that people with severe OSA have an increased risk of death due to any reason. This sobering fact underscores the importance of diagnosing and treating OSA to prevent long-term health complications and improve overall life expectancy.

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has several effective treatment options that can help mitigate its symptoms and improve overall health. One of the most widely used treatments is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a steady stream of air, keeping the airways open during sleep. While CPAP therapy is highly effective, some individuals may find it uncomfortable or challenging to use consistently.

For those who struggle with CPAP, alternative treatments are available. Oral appliances are custom-fitted devices that adjust the position of the jaw and tongue to help keep the airways open. These devices are often preferred for their comfort and ease of use, making them a viable option for many OSA sufferers. Within our practice, the sleep patient will have checks at three, six and 12 months from delivery. In addition, another sleep study will be conducted to determine the efficacy of the appliance’s usage. As an adjunctive service, and a more conservative approach than surgery is to use laser therapy to reduce the tongue volume and open up the palatal area. It is kind of like doing a facelift of the palate but without the surgery. It is simple, effective and minimal in cost and pain levels.

In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. Procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which removes excess tissue from the throat, or the insertion of implants to support the soft palate, can help reduce airway obstruction. More advanced surgical options include maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), which repositions the upper and lower jaw to enlarge the airway. These surgical procedures are last ditch efforts and only for desperate cases in my humble opinion.

Emerging treatments, such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, offer another option for those with moderate to severe OSA. This treatment involves a surgically implanted device that stimulates the nerve controlling the tongue, preventing it from collapsing backward and obstructing the airway. Again, this is a surgical approach and should be used only in extreme cases.

Patients must work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, as individual needs and responses to treatment can vary significantly.

Preventative Measures and Lifestyle Changes

Managing obstructive sleep apnea often requires not only medical treatments but also significant lifestyle changes. Weight management is a key factor; shedding excess pounds can greatly alleviate OSA symptoms. A combination of regular exercise and a balanced diet can facilitate weight loss and improve overall health, potentially reducing airway obstruction during sleep.

Positional therapy can also be beneficial. Sleeping on one’s side rather than on the back can prevent the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing and blocking the airway. Special pillows and devices are available to help maintain this sleeping position throughout the night.

It’s important to avoid substances that relax the throat muscles, such as alcohol and sedatives. These substances can exacerbate OSA symptoms by making it easier for the airway to collapse during sleep. Quitting smoking is also advised, as it can reduce inflammation and swelling in the airway, making it easier to breathe.

Establishing a regular sleep schedule can help in maintaining good sleep hygiene. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, can regulate the body’s internal clock and improve the quality of sleep. Creating a restful sleep environment, free from noise and light disruptions, can also contribute to better sleep quality.

In some cases, raising the head of the bed by a few inches may help prevent airway collapse and reduce snoring. This can be easily achieved by using an adjustable bed frame or placing sturdy objects under the legs at the head of the bed.

Incorporating these lifestyle changes can significantly improve the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and enhance overall well-being. Working closely with healthcare providers ensures that these measures complement medical treatments for the best possible outcomes.

Seeking Help? Call To Learn More!

At Sleep & TMJ Therapy, Dr. Jeffrey Brown and our team are here to help you get proper care if you struggle with sleep disorders in Falls Church, Virginia. Please call us at 703-821-1103 to learn more or schedule a consultation.

The post The Serious Health Risks of Obstructive Sleep Apnea first appeared on Sleep & TMJ Therapy.

As we all know, a smile makes everyone feel better. But do you know why? There are several reasons. First of all, a smile relaxes the muscles of the face and calms the nervous system. There is a nerve called the vagus nerve and when you smile, the vagus nerve is activated, and the body relaxes more. Laughing actually sends more oxygen to the brain which helps the whole body feel better. As more oxygen circulates, it helps to flush the byproducts of the cells in the body and  effectively you are doing a cleanse.

During a smile, the neurons in your body release dopamine, endorphins and serotonin which are the neurotransmitters that reduce depression and aggression. These are the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters. Think of it like a runner’s high, you feel really good, really light and airy when on a good run and things are clear and bright. The best thing about smiling may be that it is free and easy to do.

Along with increasing the ‘feel good’ hormones being produced, there is a reduction in the stress-enhancing hormones. These hormones are cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol and adrenaline are great hormones when we are being chased by a sabretooth tiger that is intent on eating us, as our muscles go into a high-stress mode so we can basically run away faster. However, the lactic acid will build up and make those muscles very sore later on. This is why smiling helps, less of the stress hormones and more of the calming neurotransmitters.

Another reason for a big smile is that when you show those pearly whites, you are opening yourself up to others. You are telling other people that you are happy to see them and want to be around them. We are all creatures who crave companionship and when other people want to be around you, it makes you feel wanted and cared for. Just this feeling of companionship has its own healing power. When we open up to others, we stimulate endorphins to be produced, and this is certainly a great way to improve our health. And when the other person smiles back at you, they are now producing endorphins as well. So, make someone happy, smile at them, get their endorphins going and make it a better day for everybody!

Call Today

If you would like to learn more, please call our experienced team in Falls Church, Virginia to schedule a visit with Dr. Jeffrey, Brown. Call 703-821-1103 today.

The post How Does Your Smile Make You Better? first appeared on Sleep & TMJ Therapy.