There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea. They’re all serious disorders that affect breathing and can lead to serious health complications. At Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN, apnea is one of our specialties.
Throat muscles relax and the passageway narrows for everyone during sleep. For most it doesn’t affect breathing. But for people with obstructive sleep apnea this narrowing is more severe, and can cause snoring or a completely blocked airflow. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is the most common form of the condition.
The reduced or blocked airflow means the person is not getting enough oxygen, and causes them to wake up repeatedly through the night. In many cases they’ll simply catch their breath and go back to sleep, and may not remember waking up.
During the day, the person may be fatigued, irritable, and have trouble concentrating. If they sleep alone, they may not be aware of the condition.
To get the best diagnosis, physicians often refer patients to a sleep study. These take place in high tech sleep labs. During the study, small sensors are attached to the patient’s head and body, elastic belts go around the chest and abdomen, and there may be finger clip. Technicians monitor and record the person’s brain activity as they sleep.
Surprisingly, most people are able to get used to all those attachments. The resulting data can provide a detailed picture of sleep patterns, and indicate whether you have sleep apnea.
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a device called the CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It’s very effective, but many people can’t stand wearing them because they’re uncomfortable – a case of the cure being worse than the illness.
At Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions, we offer an appliance called a Mandibular Advancement Device, or MAD. A MAD moves the jaw into a forward position while you sleep to expand the airway, thereby improving airflow and reducing pauses in breathing.
Studies comparing CPAPs and MADs have had two important findings: they’re about equal in effectiveness, and people using a MAD are more likely to stick with it because they’re more comfortable.
At Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN, we have had high success rates treating obstructive sleep apnea with MADs. If you or a loved one is coping with sleep apnea, contact us today.
