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“It’s raining, it’s pouring. The old man is snoring. And he couldn’t get up in the morning.”- Mother Goose
That nursery rhyme may seem innocent enough, however it sounds as if the poor old man may have possibly suffered from sleep apnea. This disorder affects as many as 22 million Americans alone.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common, often undiagnosed sleep-related disorder that occurs when you have abnormal reductions in your breathing while you are sleeping.[1] This is a serious disorder as it may cause you to stop breathing for 20 to 30 seconds numerous times throughout the night, on average 5 times per hour.[1][2] These disruptions can not only reduce the quality of your restful phases of sleep, but can also lead to potentially serious health conditions if left untreated.[3]
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway is blocked or constricted while the individual is sleeping, preventing air from passing through normally and contributing to a buildup of carbon dioxide.[1][5][6] The person suffering from this disorder awakens due to the blocked airway, gasps for air or takes deep breaths and is often heard snorting or choking.[1] If this disorder is left untreated it increases the individuals risk to diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, headache syndromes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and can cause heart rhythm problems.[3][5] Obstructive sleep apnea may also be the cause for job impairment, work-related accidents, motor vehicle crashes, as well as poor school performance in children and adolescents. [5]
One of the most common ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea is to sleep with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine and mask.(1) The machine keeps the airway open and delivers constant steady pressure to help you breathe while you sleep.[1]
Your dentist might discuss with you the option of getting a custom-fitted oral appliance therapy made. Dental appliances help prevent the tongue from blocking the throat and can advance the lower jaw forward, thus helping to keep the airway open while sleeping.[5]
Surgery might be suggested that removes excess tissue in the throat and expands the airway.[1] This might prove helpful to individuals who have tissue that is obstructing their airway. Another option it to have a surgical treatment that implants a device that stimulated a nerve to help control your breathing.[1][5] Other surgery options are to repair abnormalities that cause obstructions when you breath, removal of adenoids and tonsils, or repairing the defects in facial structures.[3]
Many have found that making lifestyle changes such as: losing weight, exercising regularly, alternating sleep positions, and reducing alcohol consumption has helped them to manage their symptoms.[5]
It is important to discuss any symptoms you have with your medical doctor or your dentists so that you can avoid the risk of major health problems.[3] They will probably recommend a sleep study that will determine your breathing patterns and help the doctor develop a customized treatment plan for you to treat and manage your condition.[3]
Kari Carter-Cherelus RDH, DA is a registered Dental Hygienist, writer, consultant, coach, international keynote speaker, with 23 years of experience in dentistry. She is passionate about helping others recover from burnout, improving organization’s work culture, and helping her clients to improve their mindset. She authored the book The Ultimate Guide For Dental Hygienist Burnout, and has written for RDH Graduate, RDH Magazine, and Inside Dental Hygiene.
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