So, What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is when a person stops breathing during sleep because something is blocking the airway.

When this happens, carbon dioxide levels in the blood increase and oxygen levels drop, leading to potentially life threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, reduced brain function and heart disease.

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What are the Symptoms of OSA?

• Snoring
• Waking up abruptly, gasping for air
• Periods without breathing
• Restless sleep
• Daytime sleepiness
• Large tonsils and/or adenoids with frequent mouth breathing
• Memory loss
• Loss of focus
• Depression
• Morning headaches

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Who is Most at Risk?

• 1 in 5 adults has at least mild sleep apnea
• 1 in 15 adults has at least moderate sleep apnea
• OSA affects 1-3% of children
• OSA is twice as common in males as it is in females

About 90% of children who snore have sleep apnea, which can affect their ability to learn. Other risk factors include being overweight, habitual snoring and large neck size.

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How Do We Diagnose and Treat It?

Persons diagnosed with OSA can:

• Change behaviors recommended to prevent snoring.
• Get fitted for and wearing an oral appliance at night.
• Use a C-PAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine.
• Explore options for surgery.

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How Do I Prevent Snoring?

Snoring is at best annoying and at worst a symptom of a condition such as OSA. Here are some measures to help prevent snoring:

• Weight loss (even 10 pounds can make a difference)
• Sleeping on your side
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals within 2 hours of bedtime
• Avoiding sedatives
• Using nasal strips to unblock nasal passages

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The Important Facts

• OSA is when a person stops breathing during sleep because something is blocking the airway.
• Male adults are most at risk.
• You could have OSA if you snore, wake up abruptly or sleep long periods without breathing.
• Reduce snoring by sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol/seditaves at night, avoiding caffiene and heavy meals at night, losing weight or using nasal strips.
• Treatments for OSA vary, so ask your dentist for more information if you think you have OSA.

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