Snore Guard (tm) - Information about sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep, occurring many times during the night. People suffering from sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 to 20 seconds at a time, then strenuously gasp for air. This may happen as often as every few minutes.

There are two major types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSP) is more common, occurring when muscles of the tongue, throat, and larynx relax during sleep and temporarily block the airway. The person instinctively tries to breathe with more force, until the airway opens and a breath is taken. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is more rare, occurring when nerve impulses fail to automatically trigger breaths. Some people have a combination of types, called mixed sleep apnea.

A sleep apnea sufferer briefly wakes to take a breath, but usually has no memory of these awakenings. Sleep apnea may develop gradually over several years, making it more difficult to recognize.

How do you know if you have sleep apnea?

The most obvious indicator is heavy snoring, with gasps and pauses in breathing. Snoring is relatively common; sleep apnea is not. Only a small minority of snorers have sleep apnea. If you think that you might have sleep apnea, check with your doctor.

Other symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

excessive sleepiness during the day,
waking up tired, sweating, or with morning headaches, and
waking up during the night with the sensation of choking.

How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?

Diagnosis usually requires tests called polysomnography, conducted in a sleep lab. These tests measure the frequency and duration of apneic episodes, as well as heartbeat rate, frequency of awakening, and changes in arterial oxygen saturation. OSA may be treated with behavioral methods, continuous positive airway pressure devices (CPAP), or surgical treatments. No currently available treatment is very successful. CPAP is usually most successful, but many patients find the device difficult to use. Tracheostomy is the only other treatment that is as effective, but few patients want surgery that requires a permanent prosthesis in the neck. Compared to protriptyline, the principal medication used for OSA, oral appliances work better and have fewer side effects. ("Oral Appliances for the Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review," Schmidt-Norwara, et. al., Sleep, March 1995).

Given the cost and drastic nature of these treatments, it makes sense for a snorer to try Snore Guard first. For those few people in whom snoring problems persist, especially combined with symptoms of apnea, it's necessary to consult a doctor specializing in sleep disorders.

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