Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, a prevalent sleep disorder, arises when the upper airway is repeatedly obstructed during sleep, resulting in diminished or halted airflow. The most frequently encountered form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Disrupted sleep caused by obstructive sleep apnea can hinder daily activities and, if left untreated, can negatively affect numerous aspects of overall health. Various factors contribute to this condition, including:

• Obesity
• Enlarged tonsils
• Sleeping on one's back
• Endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Heart or kidney failure
• Genetic syndromes, such as cleft lip or cleft palate

Addressing sleep apnea may involve adopting healthier habits like regular exercise and proper nutrition to encourage weight loss, utilizing a CPAP machine, or employing oral appliances to adjust your sleeping posture.

Visiting your dentist can help you get a personalized oral appliance to help you alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Ignoring these issues can lead to further health complications, including heart disease and elevated blood pressure.

There is a wide range of symptoms you may experience if you have sleep apnea. You may have some, but not all, of the following symptoms:

1. Loud snoring
2. Pauses in breathing during sleep, often followed by gasping or choking sounds
3. Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
4. Morning headaches
5. Difficulty concentrating during the day
6. Irritability or mood changes
7. Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
8. Frequent nighttime awakenings to urinate
9. Restless tossing and turning during sleep
10. Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it's essential to consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

​​In order to find out if you're suffering from sleep apnea, your primary healthcare provider will inquire about your sleep habits and patterns. If necessary, you may be referred to a specialized sleep center for further testing. 

Once your test results are available, your healthcare provider will determine if sleep apnea is present and devise a tailored treatment plan to address your needs.

There are several risk factors associated with sleep apnea, including:

1. Obesity: Excess body weight, particularly around the neck, can put pressure on the airway and make it more difficult to breathe during sleep.
2. Age: Sleep apnea is more common in middle-aged and older adults, especially those over the age of 40.
3. Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women.
4. Family history: Having a family member with sleep apnea increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
5. Alcohol and sedatives: Consuming alcohol or using sedative medications can relax the muscles in the airway, increasing the risk of sleep apnea.
6. Smoking: Smokers are at a higher risk of sleep apnea due to inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.
7. Nasal congestion: Chronic nasal congestion can obstruct the airway and contribute to sleep apnea.
8. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, acromegaly, and polycystic ovary syndrome, can increase the risk of sleep apnea.
9. Anatomical factors: People who have a narrow airway, large tonsils, or a large tongue may be more susceptible to sleep apnea.

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

The appropriate treatment for sleep apnea depends on the unique aspects of each individual case. After a thorough examination of your sleep patterns and test results, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

1. Adopting healthier lifestyle habits: Consuming a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can lead to significant improvements in sleep apnea symptoms.
2. Utilizing a CPAP machine: A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine works to keep your airways from becoming too narrow, thus enhancing your breathing patterns during sleep.
3. Mandibular advancement device: These custom-made dental guards, crafted from plastic, are designed to fit the precise contours of your teeth. By holding your airways open while you sleep, they can alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
4. Tonsillectomy: Surgical removal of your tonsils may help alleviate airway obstruction, contributing to improved sleep quality.

Sleep apnea is a condition that can result in numerous health problems for both adults and children. It is essential to be aware of these complications in order to manage and address them effectively. The potential health complications associated with sleep apnea include:

1. Hypertension: Sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, which is a major contributor to various cardiovascular issues.
2. Stroke: Individuals with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke due to interruptions in oxygen flow during sleep.
3. Diabetes: Sleep apnea has been linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, as disrupted sleep can affect blood sugar regulation.
4. Cardiovascular diseases: Sleep apnea can lead to heart-related problems, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats.
5. Mental health concerns: Sleep apnea can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety, as poor sleep quality has a significant impact on emotional well-being.
6. Fatigue and daily functioning: Chronic fatigue resulting from sleep apnea can make it difficult for individuals to perform routine activities and maintain a high quality of life.

By understanding the potential health complications associated with sleep apnea, it becomes crucial to seek appropriate treatment and management strategies to reduce the risk of these issues and improve overall health.

Black Point Dental offers treatment for patients dealing with sleep apnea. We offer comprehensive preventative dentistry, where custom night guards can be developed to help address airway obstruction issues during sleep.

Dr. Patrick Ferguson is a member of the Hawaii Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Board of Oral Implantology.

To schedule a consultation or appointment, call us at (808) 955-5922 or request an appointment online. You can also visit our office in Honolulu, HI.