Berkshire Center for Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine

Untreated Sleep Apnea puts those at risks for cardiovascular problems, stroke and a long list of other health problems ... Determine Your Risks Today

 Do you suffer from Snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Airway Management's newest custom TAP oral appliance, the flexTAP, offers new Vertex Technology, a custom-formed soft liner for superior retention, more tongue space for greater comfort, clinically proven single-point, midline adjustment and more. flexTAP's standard Mouth Shield promotes nasal breathing and prevents excess saliva or dry mouth, which are common complaints of oral appliance therapy. Visit tapintosleep.com for more information on the flexTAP and other TAP devices.

Although Sleep apnea can vary in severity among individuals, common symptoms include: Loud Snoring : Persistent loud snoring, often accompanied by choking or gasping sounds, are hallmark symptoms of sleep apnea. Pauses in Breathing : Witnessed episodes of breathing pauses during sleep, reported by a bed partner or family member that can last for a few seconds to a minute or longer. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness : Individuals with sleep apnea often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, despite spending what seems like adequate time in bed. Morning Headaches : Waking up with a headache or feeling unrested despite a full night's sleep can be a common symptom of sleep apnea. Dry Mouth or Sore Throat : Sleep apnea can cause mouth breathing during sleep, leading to a dry mouth or sore throat upon waking. Irritability and Mood Changes : Sleep apnea can contribute to irritability, mood swings, and emotional instability due to poor sleep quality and disrupted sleep patterns. Difficulty Concentrating : Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, and decreased cognitive function, may result from sleep fragmentation and low oxygen levels. Frequent Nighttime Urination : Nocturia, or the need to urinate frequently during the night, can particularly in men be a symptom of sleep apnea. Decreased Libido : Sleep apnea can lead to decreased libido and sexual dysfunction in both men and women. It's important to note that not everyone with sleep apnea will experience all of these symptoms, and symptoms can vary in severity. Additionally, some individuals may not be aware of their symptoms, especially if they occur during sleep. If you suspect you, a loved one or someone you know may have sleep apnea reach out to us for help – it’s what those of us a RestfulSleep do !!! Have Questions? Find Answers HERE

The frequency of sleep apnea varies depending on age, sex, weight, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being the most common. Approximately 3-7% of adult men and 2-5% of adult women worldwide are estimated to have moderate to severe OSA, however, among older adults, the prevalence of OSA is higher, with studies suggesting rates of up to 30-60% in individuals over the age of 65. Age-related changes in muscle tone and increased risk of comorbidities contribute to this higher prevalence. Excess weight can lead to the accumulation of soft tissue around the upper airway, increasing the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep so studies reveal that as obesity rates rise, so does the prevalence of sleep apnea. 1. Gender Differences: While sleep apnea is more common in men overall, the prevalence among women increases with age and weight as well. Changes in hormonal factors, may also contribute to the risk of sleep apnea in women. 2. Pediatric Population: Sleep apnea can also occur in children, although it is less common than in adults. Risk factors for pediatric sleep apnea include obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, craniofacial and jaw abnormalities, and certain medical conditions. It's important to note that sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed, with many individuals unaware of their condition. Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and impaired cognitive function. Therefore, awareness, screening, and diagnosis are essential for identifying and managing sleep apnea effectively. If you suspect you or someone you know may have sleep apnea, give us a call at RestfulSleep – with our practice being limited to Sleep Disordered Breathing we will recommend appropriate management specific to you or your loved one’s circumstances, whether it be screening, diagnostic testing, or alternative care for the most often prescribed form of therapy – CPAP … Have Questions? Find Answers HERE

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, causing the soft tissue in the back of the throat to collapse and block the airway. As a result, airflow is reduced or completely blocked, leading to pauses in breathing or shallow breathing. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing. Unlike OSA, the airway is not blocked, but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. This results in periods of interrupted breathing during sleep. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSA): Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this type of sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. It typically occurs when someone with obstructive sleep apnea starts using a CPAP machine for treatment, but central sleep apnea emerges or becomes more prominent during therapy. Each type of sleep apnea requires different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the specific type of sleep apnea is crucial for developing an effective management plan tailored to the individual's needs and health condition.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

This video explains in detail how apneas and snoring are produced while you sleep. See and hear as respiratory flow, respiratory effort, brain waves, and snoring sounds are matched together to illustrate the effects of this disease. When you've viewed this video, you'll have a much better understanding of what's going on within your own body.

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