Blythe A. O'Donnell, DDS
Call Us: (231) - 723 - 6512
812 Cypress Street
Manistee, MI 49660

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What is OSA?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a narrowing or total closure of the airway during sleep. This happens because the tongue and soft tissue in the back of the mouth press backward on the airway when you lay down. Most people are not even aware that they may be suffering from this condition and it could be effecting daily life. People who have OSA may have hundreds of episodes every night where the airway becomes completely blocked and they stop breathing for ten seconds or more. The brain then recognizes the lack of oxygen and prompts the body to take a breath.

The lack of deep sleep caused by OSA can severely stress your body's systems, most notably the cardiovascular system and your metabolism. Because of the healing and recovery that takes place when we sleep, conditions like the following are often linked to OSA. These include Obesity, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Erectile and other Sexual Dysfunctions, Stroke, Congestive Heart Failure and even Death. Headaches, Depression and increased fatigue-related accidents can also be related to OSA.

  • 40-80% of stroke victims also suffer from OSA
  • Untreated OSA patients are at a 40% greater risk of suffering depression
  • If you have OSA, you are twice as likely to die in your sleep and 7 times more likely to have a motor vehicle accident.
  • Studies show that about 50% of people who snore also have OSA.

Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea is frequently treats with a CPAP machine.


Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Did you know that 40% of Adults snore? It increases with age and weight. Snoring by itself is harmless, though it usually bothers the partner more than the snorer. In extreme cases, the snorer may find himself sleeping on the couch. Though snoring by itself is harmless, it can be a sign of a very serious medical condition, OSA. 40% of snorers also show signs of OSA.

Teeth Grinding and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Most people who grind their teeth do so while they are sleeping. 30-40% of people who grind also have signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If the airway is blocked, grinding, bruxism, moves the jaw forward opening the airway. The bruxism can cause wear and chipping of the teeth, broken teeth, headaches and TMJ pain. Most importantly it can be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

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