Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition typically characterized by interruptions in normal breathing throughout the night. While snoring is not always indicative of sleep apnea, there is a high correlation between the two. Sleep apnea is an alarmingly common sleep disorder that can cause extensive breathing pauses while sleeping and other symptoms that can be a threat to one’s life and health. Since many people with sleep apnea are not aware that they may have the condition, it is often necessary for a loved one who has observed them in their sleep to raise concerns that something might be wrong. If you think you may have sleep apnea, there are treatments available that have successfully helped many people decrease the health risks associated with the condition.

The first step to receiving treatment for sleep apnea is attaining a proper diagnosis. Typically, a sleep study is necessary to accurately ascertain the source of your symptoms. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, our dentists can then help find a treatment method that works for you.

Oftentimes, a customized oral appliance (night guard or snore guard) will keep the air passages open during the night, offering many individuals substantial relief. In more severe cases, an air mask worn over the nose and mouth (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device, or CPAP) may be more effective. Once you can sleep again without uninterrupted breathing, you should feel more energized, alert, and focused during the day. Most patients experience an improvement in their overall quality of life after finding the proper treatment for their sleep apnea.

While sleep apnea is common among adults, it can also affect children. In fact, an estimate from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that approximately one to four percent of children suffer from some type of sleep breathing disorder, and an even larger percentage of children snore consistently. Pediatric sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can lead to dangerous health consequences. It can also lead to long-term effects such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, trouble at school, aggressive behavior, growth problems, depression, and other concerns. Potential signs of pediatric OSA can include snoring, breathing pauses, gasping for breath during sleep, bedwetting, moodiness, frequent napping, sleepwalking, mouth breathing, teeth clenching/grinding, night sweats, restless sleep, and others.

There are a number of risk factors that have been associated with the development of sleep apnea in children. Just as they are in adults, obesity and genetics are some of the most prominent; however, oral structural issues such as an underdeveloped lower and/or upper jaw may leave children particularly prone to the condition since these issues can increase the potential of a narrowed or closed airway. Inhalation of tobacco smoke has also been potentially linked to an increased risk of sleep apnea in children.

If you think that your child may be suffering from OSA, a variety of treatment options are available that can help. It’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek an evaluation from a physician or sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis. If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, effective treatment can significantly reduce the life and health risks of the condition.