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in Santa Fe, New Mexico Robert L. Wartell, DDS Kristine B. Ali, DMD Sandraluz Gonzalez, RDH Carmen Lucero, CTA |
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Obstructive Sleep ApneaWhat is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and what does it do to destroy your health? OSA is a disorder in which your upper airway closes during sleep, preventing the flow of air into your lungs. While sleeping, there is a loss of the normal reflexes that keep the upper airway open. The airway closes, and your body struggles to breathe, without success. The struggle finally awakens you, and your reflexes once again open the airway, allowing free flow of air. The lack of oxygen in your blood is the key to the destructive effects of OSA. The oygen level is measured by a pulse oximeter, a small device that is placed onto your finger. It shows the percentage of oxygen in your blood in a digital readout. In general, oxygen levels above 94% are desired. In sleep apnea "events" during sleep, the levels can drop rapidly. In severe sleep apnea, the oxygen levels can drop into the 80%, 70%, and even 60% range. Low oxygen levels cause a multitude of chemical and physical changes in your body. Researchers consider the most serious change to be disruption of the processes that keep the insides of arteries healthy. This leads to buildup of plaques within the arteries, cardiovascular disease, and even death. One of the more ironic effects of sleep apnea is that it causes difficulty in losing weight, even causing weight gain. Fat raises the incidence of OSA. So it's a cycle, in which you can't lose weight because of OSA, and have OSA because of being fat. There's no justice. Children can suffer from OSA, and even from cardiovascular disease. One study has shown arterial plaques in 30% of young children. Many children diagnosed with ADHD are actually suffering from the effects of oxygen and sleep deprivation. This interferes with growth and development, and can degrade a child's scholastic achievement. Children who snore should be evaluated for OSA by a physician. What are the signs and symptoms of OSA? These include depression, sleepiness, high blood pressure, obesity and weight gain. Here is a list from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine: * You normally feel tired even after a full night of sleep. What can be done about OSA? First it must be diagnosed by a physician certified in Sleep Medicine. For mild and moderate levels of sleep apnea, a removable dental appliance is the treatment of first choice. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is the first treatment for severe obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, oxygen must be used, not just air. What if I cannot tolerate a CPAP? In most cases of CPAP intolerance, removable oral appliances can be used comfortably and effectively. It is more healthful to use an oral appliance than to use nothing at all. If you suspect that you have OSA, consult with your physician. See either your family doctor, or a physician certified in Sleep Medicine. You will be offered an overnight sleep study to make a diagnosis. Once you have had a diagnosis of OSA, ask about using an oral appliance in your treatment. You can learn more about oral appliance therapy here. We enjoy answering your questions.
Center For Dental Medicine • 2019 Galisteo St. • J2 • Santa Fe, NM 87505 |
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