Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This is more common than Asthma or Diabetes and is a disorder that often strikes men more than women, worsened by increased weight and age.

While we sleep our muscles relax and the muscles of the oral cavity are no exception. These muscles, when relaxed, can fall back and obstruct the air way. This will cause the patient to suddenly gasp for air and awaken him or herself from sleep.

The vicious cycle of gasping for air and awakening and going back to sleep keep happening throughout the night and deprive the patient of a restful deep sleep (REM sleep).

Clinical Signs of Sleep Apnea

• Snoring and pausing it for period of time
• Awakening and gasping for air
• Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GERD)
• Restless sleep which is a fragmented and non-refreshing one
• Excessive drowsiness during day time
• Poor memory and clouded intellect
• Bad temper, touchiness and irritability
• Headache in the morning
• Impotence and lack of sex drive
• The risk factors are obesity, being male, getting old and of course, the anatomical malformation in the upper air way
• Keep in mind that alcohol also is a factor

Symptoms / Side-effects of OSA

• Diabetes Type 2
• Stroke
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Attack
• Impotence
• Forgetfulness