Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted while asleep. People with undiagnosed sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly while asleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This is a dangerous sleep disorder because it means that the body and the brain may not get enough oxygen.
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).
Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath. This may be caused due to instability in the respiratory control center.
Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children.
Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem. If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea may lead to problems at school or work as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medications or surgery.
Treatments for sleep apnea vary depending on the severity of each patient’s case and the type of apnea involved. Basic treatments may simply be behavioral and include losing weight, stopping smoking, or sleeping on the side rather than the back. If basic treatments fail to work, however, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that it prevents throat blockage. In severe cases, surgery is often the best option. We work closely with your physician during the entire treatment process. Your jaw position is optimally determined using pharyngometer testing.
