What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the muscles and tissues surrounding the throat relax causing the airway to completely collapse, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person. Unconsciously, he/she will close the jaw returning the tongue and throat to a normal position.
The sleep apnea cycle – falling asleep, jaw relaxing, airway collapsing, unconsciously awakening with a gasp, falling back asleep – can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour during the night. With a blocked air passage, one does not receive enough oxygen. During the apneas, the oxygen level in the blood falls. Persistent awakenings and low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) may cause excessive daytime sleepiness in addition to other health problems such as high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, heartburn, morning headaches, depression, and impotence.
About 40% of people who snore have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Factors that can contribute to the condition include obesity, nasal obstruction, a large tongue, a narrow airway, and certain shapes of the jaw and palate. Fortunately, there are options available to you to effectively treat your Obstructive Sleep Apnea, including Oral Appliance Therapy, CPAP, and surgery. See Oral Appliance Therapy and Other Treatment Options to learn more.
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