Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea includes several conditions that cause you to stop breathing while sleeping. The three types of sleep apnea are:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA, the most common type by far, occurs when your tongue and other tissues in your throat cover the airway. These tissues relax when sleeping, allowing them to slide over the airway. You can stop breathing 5-30 times or more every hour.

The drop in oxygen triggers your brain, which sends signals to nudge you into consciousness, allowing you to start breathing again. Dr. Watts frequently treats patients who have an OSA diagnosis. 

Central sleep apnea

This type is very different from OSA because you stop sleeping when your brain doesn’t send signals to the muscles that support breathing while you sleep. As a result, your breathing stops even though the airways are clear.

Central sleep apnea requires treatment by specialists who can diagnose and treat the underlying neurological problem. 

Mixed sleep apnea

You have both OSA and central sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

If you have OSA, you will snore, often loudly. Snoring is a hallmark symptom of OSA because the tissues covering the airway vibrate when air flows through the passage.

You may snore if you have central sleep apnea, but this is not directly related to the condition. Many people snore, but that doesn’t mean they have sleep apnea.

Both types of sleep apnea cause:

• Waking during the night feeling short of breath
• Difficulty waking in the morning
• Excessive daytime tiredness
• Morning headaches
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depression and mood changes
• Irritability

Most people with OSA aren’t aware they snore. However, others in your household may notice a repeated cycle of loud snoring, sudden silence when you stop breathing, and then a gasp or noise when you start breathing again.

How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often recommended for treating OSA. However, many people can’t tolerate the appliance, and you have options.

Dr. Watts often treats OSA with a customized oral appliance (similar to a mouthguard) that stops your tongue from falling over the airway. But that’s not the only possible treatment.

Dr. Watts specializes in other OSA treatments, including tongue retaining devices, palatal expanders, and orthognathic surgery to adjust the jaw and widen the airway. He may also recommend braces or aligners if misalignment contributes to OSA.

Call Montclair Orthodontics or book an appointment online today to get expert care for sleep apnea.