Sleep Apnea

Brief pauses of breathing during sleep. Often associated with loud snoring, snorting and gasping for breath. Sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, depression, and cardiovascular problems.

Sleep apnea is believed to affect at least 1out of every 200 Americans, 70 to 90 percent of them men, mostly middle-aged, and usually overweight. But the condition can afflict both men or women at any age.

People with this disorder actually may stop breathing while asleep-even hundreds of times--without being aware of the problem. During an apnea attack, the snorer may seem to gasp for breath, and the oxygen level in the blood may become abnormally low. In severe cases, a sleep apnea victim may actually spend more time not breathing than breathing and may be at risk for death.

In the most common form of the condition, obstructive apnea (also called upper airway apnea), air stops flowing through the nose and mouth, but throat and abdominal breathing efforts are uninterrupted. The snoring that results is produced when the upper rear of the mouth (the soft palate and the cone-shaped tissue--the uvula--that descends from it) relaxes and vibrates as air passes in and out. This sets up an air current between the palate and the base of the tongue, resulting in snoring. Typically, the individual will wake up, emit a vigorous snort or grunt while gasping for air, then immediately fall back to sleep, only to repeat the cycle.

In another form of the disorder, central apnea, both oral breathing and throat and abdominal breathing efforts are simultaneously interrupted. In a third type of apnea, mixed apnea, a brief period of central apnea is followed by a longer period of obstructive apnea.

Sleep apnea can be recognized by a number of symptoms. As mentioned, loud and intermittent snoring is one warning signal. The person who has sleep apnea may experience a choking sensation, early-morning headaches, or extreme daytime sleepiness, as well. Excessive body movements, snorting or gasping for breath during sleep. Since sleeping pills may be harmful for people with sleep apnea, they should not be taken if the condition is suspected.

Many people with such conditions as obesity, deviated nasal septum, polyps, enlarged tonsils, large adenoids, or a host of other problems may be particularly likely to develop sleep apnea. Doctors can reliably diagnose the disorder only by monitoring oxygen intake, breathing, and other physical functions while the patient is sleeping.

In mild cases, sleep apnea often responds to medication. Or, in the case of overweight middle-aged males, losing weight may lessen the problem. Another procedure, known as continuous positive air pressure, involves the use of a machine that blows air into the hose during the night, opening the air passages in the throat. Patients will severe sleep apnea may require surgery. One procedure widens the throat. In another, a tracheostomy, which is used in very severe cases, a small hole is made at the base of the neck, below and in front of the Adam's apple. At night, a valve on a hollow tube in the hole is opened so that air can flow directly to the lungs, bypassing the sleep induced upper airway blockage. During the day, the valve is closed, allowing the patient to breathe and speak normally.

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A Look at the Serious Health Effects of Having Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is not a disorder to be taken lightly nor is it something that will go away on its own with time. In fact sleep apnea is classified as being a “progressive disease” which means that just like cancer, diabetes and heart disease it gets worse with time. There is a lot of debate in the medical community about the effect that sleep apnea has on other medical problems. There is a definite connection between sleep apnea and these physical conditions- high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, pulmonary hypertension and stroke.

More and more research is looking into why the above conditions are related to problems erupting in the upper airways of a person suffering from sleep apnea. It is well known that being overweight, smoking and abusing alcohol plays a role in sleep apnea and in turn leads to a greater chance of developing heart disease and hypertension. However it is not clear while some people who do not have any of these problems regarding their lifestyle still develop sleep apnea.

When there is a cessation of breathing during a sleep apnea episode the bloodstream shows higher levels of carbon dioxide while oxygen levels decrease. As a result of this, a series of chemical and physical events takes place in the body that then increases the risk of other problems arising in the body.

In individuals who suffer from sleep apnea and who are overweight, experts have discovered that they have high levels of immune factors known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). High levels of both of these factors can cause serious inflammation in the body which can lead to cell damage, especially in the arteries. In one particular study it was shown that people with elevated levels of TNF-alpha suffered from shortness of breath, excessive tiredness and a “weak heart-pumping action.” However it must be said that to date no “clear causal relationship” between obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease has been scientifically established.

Many studies have been conducted to look at high blood pressure and sleep apnea. A link has been found between the two. To give an example, a study done in 2000 examined patients over a four year period and showed that the more apnea episodes they experienced in the first year, the greater risk was posed for them to develop hypertension by the third or fourth year. Even in those who snored or experienced mild sleep apnea there was a “weak but still higher than normal association with high blood pressure.”

In the past the connection between sleep apnea and hypertension was believed to be strongly linked to obesity. However recent studies are pointing to other findings, which is that hypertension is particularly high in individuals who suffer from sleep apnea no matter what their weight is.

Blood pressure affects sleep apnea because it fluctuates tremendously during repeated sleep apnea episodes. These fluctuations are also related to changes in the form of sudden surges that take place in the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system “controls involuntary muscles, importantly those in the blood vessels and heart.” It is strongly believed that as time passes, these fluctuations could play a significant role in the development of permanent long-term hypertension.

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The Apnoea Hypopnoea Index

Sleep apnea is a problem not only for those people who suffer from it, but also those who live in close range. This is because it can be characterised by extremely loud snoring and accompanying snorts which ultimately cause anger and distress to those people who can’t sleep themselves because of the noise being made by the unfortunate snorer.

So what is sleep apnea or OSA

Sleep apnea is a distressing condition that many people suffer from though they may well be unaware of the fact. Basically the person goes to sleep, but the muscles in the upper part of the airway become very flabby and start to fall in on themselves. The person then cannot breathe properly and can actually stop breathing for a number of seconds before his brain kicks him into action by reminding him that he had better wake up or else. The person wakes up usually with a loud snore or snort which can be distressing for both him and his partner or even those who are within hearing range.

As this may happen quite a number of times during the night, the sufferer tends not to have a completed sleep pattern. This means he is drowsy and tired the next day, and a vicious cycle is set into motion.

The symptoms from Sleep apnea can range from being minor to quite relentless. If it is felt the problem should be controlled, there is an index which can be used to determine the severity of the problem. This is called the Apnoea/hypopnoea index and it is used to decide the severity of the problem. Hypopnoea is the reduction of airflow which is passing through the airways, and the index calculates the number of apnea attacks with the number of hypopnoeas per hour of sleep.  A scale is then used to determine the severity of the problem.

The Apnoea hypopnoea scale

An AHI of fewer than 10 suggests the problems being shown by the person who is snoring and snorting is not liable to have any clinical underlying problems. This is a good thing, because the person (or his family) can then start to think of other methods to stop the terrible din.

If the AHI is above 10, it is indicative of underlying problems, and it is suggested these are investigated further. These further investigations can include a specialist sleep study where the sufferer has to spend a night in hospital whilst special equipment is used to monitor the quality and type of sleep the person is getting. If it is found that he is being deprived of oxygen, it poses problems of Adult sudden death syndrome and also cardiac and stroke problems.
One way of combating sleep apnea is for the person who is suffering from the problem to wear an oxygen mask whilst asleep which will assist him with breathing.

Sleep apnea is no fun either for the people who suffer from it or their families who have to listen to the noise they make whilst asleep.

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Differentiating Snoring From Sleep Apnea

While snoring is treated as a laughable condition by the general public, few realize the dangers that they may face if they have a serious snoring condition. When a snoring problem degenerates, it can turn into sleep apnea, a terrible sleep disorder that can cause numerous bad health effects. If you are a snorer, it’s important to find out whether or not you may have sleep apnea, as it is a treatable condition that, if left untreated, can be very damaging to your health. There are a few simple questions to ask yourself when you think you may have sleep apnea. Do you snore on a regular basis? If so, you are more likely to be afflicted with apnea. If your snoring wakes you or your partner up at night, the chance that you have sleep apnea is quite prevalent. One of the main warning signs for a case of apnea is waking up in the middle of the night, choking or gasping for air. This is due to the fact that apnea occurs when blockage in the air way occurs to such an extent that it causes you to actually stop breathing for periods of ten seconds or longer. A person with apnea can wake up a number of times throughout the evening, causing them to have a lack of good sleep and leading to irritability and an inability to concentrate when the morning comes. Severe cases of sleep apnea can result in the afflicted person waking up as many as 100 times per night. People afflicted with sleep apnea also often wake up with headaches due to a lack of oxygen, which is another symptom to consider. Rapid weight gain, memory loss, depression, changes in personality and a short attention span are other symptoms to watch for.

If these conditions sound all too familiar, you may want to look into the possibility that you have sleep apnea. One way to determine whether or not you may have apnea is to record yourself breathing while you sleep with a tape recorder. If you note frequent breathing cessations, you should consider going to a hospital for a polysomnography test. A polysomnography test consists of an overnight study in which your sleep is monitored, so that a proper diagnosis for apnea can be determined. It is a harmless test, and it is often covered by insurance carriers. Another method for pre-diagnosing sleep apnea in the household is to keep a sleep diary. Sleep diaries should be made by your bed partner, and they should consist of a notebook, pen, and flashlight. When your bed partner wakes up in the middle of the night, they should note some factors in your sleeping. They should record whether or not you are snoring, how loud your snoring is, whether you are asleep or not, and whether or not you are having trouble breathing. This simple notebook can really help you to see the extent of your problem. Sleep apnea, if untreated, can lead to an increased risk of heart problems and an increased stroke. That’s why it’s important to diagnose your problem today.

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How to Reduce Your Risk For Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a terrible sleep disorder which can have some very negative effects on your health and your quality of life. Sleep apnea can strike at any age, and it is a degenerative condition that will become more serious over time if left untreated. There are some things that you can do to lower your risk of sleep apnea; if you are high in risk factors, you may be setting yourself up for a terrible sleep disorder. In the following article, we’ll be discussing the various methods that people use to keep their risk factor for sleep apnea down.

1. Keeping in shape is of utmost importance. One of the main causes of sleep apnea is an excess of fatty tissue in the neck caused by being obese. This tissue can weigh down on the esophagus, causing an obstruction of the air way and consequently a case of sleep apnea. One way of diagnosing your need for fitness is to measure the circumference of your neck. If you find your neck to be in excess of 17 inches, a significant risk of contracting sleep apnea is present.
2. Using depressants such as alcohol or sleeping pills definitely weighs into a person’s chance of contracting sleep apnea. Alcohol and sleeping pills cause the muscles of the body to relax; this behavior includes the muscles found in the throat, and when they are relaxed, an air way obstruction can occur. For that reason, if you must drink, it is important to have your last beverage at least 4 hours before you go to bed. This gives your body a chance to process the alcohol in your system, leading to a lessened chance of snoring and apnea when bed time comes.
3. Smoking is another reason that people may contract sleep apnea. A person that commonly smokes usually has an increased amount of inflammation in the throat. Also, fluid retention in the upper air way is increased by a smoking habit. Both of these factors can add up to serious obstruction of the air way.
4. Some people that have sleep apnea only experience the problem when they are lying on their backs at night. To remedy this problem, a simple home project can be assembled to keep you sleeping on your side. Put a tennis ball on the inside of a regular sock, and pin it to the back of your pajama pants. When you roll onto your back in your sleep, you will be uncomfortable due to the tennis ball, and you will unconsciously correct yourself, causing you to roll back onto your side.

These are just some of the things to do when trying to avoid a sleep apnea condition. There are many other factors that weigh into sleep apnea, and some, such as a narrow air way or old age, are unpreventable. For that reason, it is important to get a proper diagnosis if you suspect that you may have sleep apnea. Speak to a health care professional to get a proper opinion.

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A Brief Look at Nasal Surgery and Upper Airway Surgery

Sometimes surgery is a viable option when all else fails. The specific goal of surgery is to “enlarge the airway and prevent snoring and airway collapse.” Surgery is “site-specific”, meaning that it pinpoints a particular area of the airway and makes it bigger. Nasal surgery poses as great a risk to health as any operation does, with the biggest concern being anesthesia. The greatest advantage of nasal surgery is that it often provides a permanent solution for the sleep apnea problem.

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Statistics Surrounding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects breathing during sleep. Apnea comes from a Greek word that stands for “want of breath.” Sleep apnea is a chronic health problem and is also a progressive condition which means it can potentially worsen over time. These cessations of breathing can last anywhere from a minimum of ten to thirty seconds and upwards to as much as four hundred per night in those with severe sleep apnea. Some individual are so plagued by the condition that they are awakened every thirty seconds a nigh with another apnea episode. Sleep apnea is still greatly misunderstood by the medical community although research is ongoing. There are a great many individuals who are unaware that they even suffer from sleep apnea. Sometimes it takes a spouse, family member or close friend to bring the problem to the individual’s attention. Sleep apnea is a serious health problem that can be life threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated.

It is estimated that anywhere from twelve to twenty million American citizens suffer from sleep apnea in varying degrees. There are three kinds of sleep apnea- obstructive, central and mixed, of which obstructive sleep apnea is the most widespread by far. Obstructive sleep apnea can be mild, moderate or severe. It can easily go from mild to moderate or moderate to severe. Sleep apnea is not “age-specific” and affects individuals of every age, including children. Both men and women develop sleep apnea although it is more common in men then women, especially middle-aged men who are overweight. Part of this is believed to be due to the fact that men have a thicker neck circumference than women.

Breaking sleep apnea down even further by gender approximately twenty-four percent of men suffer from the sleep disorder while the percentage for women is nine percent. Women who have not entered menopause yet are less likely to suffer from sleep apnea than are women who are presently experiencing menopause or women who have already gone through it. However after menopause women are approximately as likely as men to develop sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common of all sleep disorders. It is estimated that half of the patients who suffer from sleep apnea also suffer from loud, habitual snoring and are overweight. According to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, approximately 38,000 deaths occur on an annual basis that relate to cardiovascular problems that in one way or another are connected to sleep apnea. These problems include high blood pressure, hypertension and stroke, among others. An estimated six million American residents suffer from sleep apnea that is moderate to severe and may necessitate a late night visit to the e=emergency room. Unfortunately a great many people do not, as previously mentioned, even realize that they suffer from sleep apnea. This number is somewhere around 500,000 individuals.

Of the men and women that suffer from sleep apnea, approximately four percent of men and two percent of women meet what is deemed as the “diagnostic criteria” for the sleep disorder, which averages an estimated ten bouts of apnea (or apneic events or episodes) in the course of an hour while they sleep.

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Good news for those with Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is a problem that is relatively uncommon. While obstructive sleep apnea occurs often, central sleep apnea is rarely diagnosed. Obstructive sleep apnea can be very damaging to the body, causing an obstruction of the airway that forces a person to wake up repeatedly throughout the night and leading to a host of problems. Central sleep apnea is a problem that is not as commonly addressed. It’s a rare condition in which the brain is unable to properly signal the body to let it know when to breathe while sleeping. Many people who are affected by central sleep apnea also have a minor case of obstructive sleep apnea. Clinically, central sleep apnea is diagnosed when 10 or more apneas occur during an hour due to central causes and less than 5 apneas occur in the hour with an obstructive cause.

Central sleep apnea is a problem that cannot be as easily solved as obstructive sleep apnea. While obstructive sleep apnea sufferers may simply change the position in which they sleep or get a continuous positive airway pressure (or CPAP for short) machine to curb their problem, there are not many options available for those with central sleep apnea. Luckily, doctors have been researching possible medications to help treat the program, and they may have experienced a breakthrough. Ambien is a sedative drug that can prove to be of definite merit to those suffering from central sleep apnea. While there are many more studies to be done, the results of a study conducted by Syed Quadri, M.D. of Henry Ford hospital regarding the drug are quite promising. After giving central sleep apnea sufferers Ambien for 6 weeks, apnea episodes were shown to be significantly decreased. The drug was administered 30 minutes before bedtime at a dose of 10 milligrams. A polysomnographic exam was conducted at the beginning of the trial and at the end of the trial. 20 patients completed the study, and the results were astounding. The average occurrence of any apnea events, whether obstructive or central, fell from 30 per hour to 13 per hour, representing a statistically significant change. Central apneas fell from an average of 26 episodes per hour to merely 7!

While the study represents a marked improvement in our understanding of central sleep apnea, there is still much to be learned. If the drug truly ends up being of merit to apnea sufferers, it represents a hypnotic, sleep-inducing drug that the patient will need to be dependant on. The safety of Ambien on a long-term dosage has not been accurately determined yet, so it’s important not to jump the gun on this study. More studies are being conducted to note the effects of Ambien long term, as well as studies constructed to help understand what hypnotic drugs do in those with apnea. So, while Ambien may not be a cure for central sleep apnea, it definitely represents a milestone in the fight for understanding this mysterious disease. Hopefully, our knowledge will only continue to grow.

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Surgery Choices for the Sleep Apnea Patient

Surgery is usually sought out as a last resort for patients suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea. Surgery for sleep apnea in adults most often takes into account the tongue, throat, neck and/or the nose. There are times when more than one surgical procedure is combined for optimum results.

The most commonly undertaken surgical procedure for sleep apnea is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. This is also known in its abbreviated form as UPPP (or “UP3”). In some cases, sleep apnea takes place because of too much tissue in the area of either the soft palate or the uvula (which is the “tissue that hangs from the middle of the back of the roof of the mouth”). In a standard UPPP operation, the airway is made larger by the process of opening the airway at the soft palate. In other cases, a section of the soft palate known as the uvula and tissue from the sides of the mouth is taken out and this may or may not include the tonsils. An oscillating blade is used to perform UPPP surgery. Closely following on the heels of UPPP is laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (or LAUP). This type is exactly like UPPP only it takes place with a laser instead of a blade.

A tonsillectomy and/or an adenoidectomy are undertaken if a patient has either tonsils or adenoids that are infected and/or excessively large and are obstructing the airway while they sleep at night. In this situation either the tonsils or the adenoids or both are surgically removed. This is often an option undertaken for young sleep apnea sufferers. When it comes to adult patients sometimes this operation is performed on its own or else it is done along with a LAUP or UPPP operation.

A tracheostomy is the final surgery that physicians recommend for patients as it can not only be risky health wise but it can give rise to other health problems. However this extreme form of surgery is very successful at ridding a person of sleep apnea. In this case the doctor makes a hole in the patient’s trachea (or windpipe) and then a tracheotomy tube is placed in the hole to allow air to freely flow through, thereby allowing the patient to breathe properly.

Mandibular advancement or mandibular myotomy is a way to reposition a patient’s tongue in order to keep it from causing problems with breathing. When it comes to this type of surgery, “the jawbone is broken, moved forward and fixed temporarily to move the chin and tongue away from the back of the throat.” Generally this guarantees that the tongue is brought anyway from six to ten millimeters forward. Another form of surgical advancement, known as hyoid advancement is when a bone that is found in the neck known as the hyoid bone is moved or “advanced” forward in order to properly open the airway in the neck region.

In some people their tongue is so large that it obstructs breathing and encourages sleep apnea to occur. There is a surgical procedure known as a radiofrequency ablation of the tongue that can improve this situation. A radiofrequency probe is applied to the back of the throat area over the course of five treatments. The heat from the probe works to shrink the overall volume of the tongue thus making air obstruction less likely.

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Having a Tracheostomy to Help Sleep Apnea

A tracheostomy is a conventional form of surgery that is only performed today as a last resort for patients who have found that nothing else helps them and/or if their sleep apnea is serious enough to be deemed life threatening. Although this surgery has a high success rate (some doctors go as far as to say that it is one hundred percent effective) it involves an incision in the throat that is approximately the size of a quarter. And can give rise to any number of other health problems, some medical in nature while others are psychological. A tracheostomy is a very straightforward type of operation. Basically put, “the surgeon makes an opening through the neck into the windpipe and inserts a tube.” The opening, which is a permanent one coupled with the tube allows for the easy flow of air in and out of the windpipe (or trachea) Let’s take a closer look.

The tracheostomy tube allows air to flow in and out of the patient’s lungs and eliminates sleep apnea episodes. During the daytime hours a valve allows the tube to remain shut making it possible for the individual to both breathe and talk as naturally as possible. At night when the individual is sleeping the valve is wide opening allowing for air to flow into the throat but bypass the blockage and then find its way into the lungs.

Not everyone who undergoes a tracheostomy needs the same amount of time to recover. In other words some people require more time than others. When sleep apnea is brought about by the upper airway being blocked, a tracheostomy almost always is a successful operation. However keep in mind that this form of surgery is a kind of treatment that is often undertaken after all else has failed to work.

There are a number of risks associated with having a tracheostomy. First of all scar tissue sometimes forms where the hole is made in the throat and this can make a difference in the appearance of the neck. Sometimes a patient who has a tracheostomy has a chance of developing an infection at the sight of the operation (symptoms include swelling, redness and drainage of fluid) and bleeding is often a complication. Some patients have problems with their speech, some immediately following the surgery but find it improves with healing while others notice a permanent alteration in speech patterns. There is also a greater chance that a variety of lung infections will develop in patients who undergo a tracheostomy. Finally psychological and emotional problems such as depression and a lack of self-esteem can evolve as a result of this surgery.

Some people are very self-conscious about their appearance after having a tracheostomy as it is more obvious in some people than it is in others. People who are overweight or obese often suffer more long-term consequences due to fatty tissue on the neck that can block the hole in the throat. It is important to be impeccable with your hygiene habits after having a tracheostomy as keeping the area of the neck where the tube was inserted clean and free of debris is extremely important.

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New Implant Introduced for Sleep Apnea Sufferers

If you are a person that suffers from sleep apnea, you probably know how cumbersome it can be to use a CPAP machine to aid your breathing while you sleep. While it is a better alternative than the harmful effects of not treating your obstructive sleep apnea, it is hardly a full solution to the problem. Sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea are prone to many negative health effects including a lack of concentration, grogginess, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Nearly 18 million Americans are afflicted with this disorder, with a full 1 out of 20 males and 1 out of 30 females living with the problem. To that end, biologists and doctors have been toiling endlessly to work towards a better type of treatment for the sufferers of this tragic condition. Luckily, there has been a medical breakthrough in the form of a tiny new implant which may be of great merit to those with a sleep apnea condition.

The implant procedure that is creating quite a buzz in the medical community is known as the pillar procedure, and it involves small implants that are placed within the soft palate. The implants and the scar tissue that is created by the surgical procedure helps to provide a level of support to the soft palate so that it is not as easily collapsible. This can cause the airway of those with obstructive sleep apnea to be more open, allowing the patient to breathe more properly throughout the evening. The soft palate of those who have the pillar procedure tends to stay in place, as opposed to falling back which commonly occurs in those with the disorder. Studies show that a full two thirds of all mild obstructive sleep apnea sufferers can benefit from the treatment, and it has been approved by the FDA. The surgery is an outpatient procedure, and it has been performed with a very reasonable success rate by doctors for the past four years. The implant takes roughly thirty minutes to install, and three small implants are placed throughout the palate.

While the long-term benefits of this surgery are not yet realized, it shows much promise in helping those with a mild case of apnea to reduce their problem. The implants in the palate do not pose much of a problem to the patients, as they cannot be felt after being implanted. Also, if the implants prove to be of little success, they can be easily removed via another surgery. While not a complete solution to the problem caused by obstructive sleep apnea, these implants represent a new hope for those who have a mild form of the condition. As with any serious medical procedure, it’s important to get a proper opinion from your trusted health care professional. Also, if you feel unsure whether or not your condition merits the treatment, a second opinion is advised. For those who wish to learn more about the Pillar procedure, you can contact Cynthia Harding, the Public Relations Director of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at cynthia.harding@cshs.org.

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Introducing the Pillar Procedure The Latest Treatment for Sleep Apnea

A breakthrough therapy has emerged from the company Restore Medical that will give sleep apnea patients yet another option for relief from their symptoms. The initial results are promising. This procedure is doing well in comparison with more conventional treatment options such as the surgical laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). Up to now the most popular form of treatment, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), this may begin changing in the near future as patients begin switching to the Pillar Procedure. Although an effective form of treatment, many patients dislike wearing a mask while they sleep. Still others experience noise problems due to the machine, feelings of claustrophobia and the leakage of air.

The Pillar Procedure is gaining in popularity because it is not as invasive as some of the other surgical procedures and it doesn’t take up too much of a patient and doctor’s time (on average it requires one quick visit to the physician’s office). The Pillar Procedure has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its willingness to treat both cases of snoring as well as sleep apnea and it is also clinically proven. In tests done utilizing the Pillar Procedure approximately eighty percent of sufferers noted a positive improvement in their nightly sleep apnea patterns. Many noted that episodes were dramatically decreased.

One reason for sleep apnea is that the “soft palate vibrates during snoring and can block the airway.” When it comes to the Pillar Procedure three tiny inserts are placed into the soft palate to offer a sufficient amount of support. The inserts are not visible to the human eye and they do not cause problems either with speech or with swallowing. These reasons alone make the Pillar Procedure a viable option.

The Pillar Procedure deals with the soft palate and calls for the injection of three tiny woven inserts into the soft palate that are geared at decreasing the vibrations that bring about snoring as well as prevent the soft palate from interfering with, or blocking the flow of air. Structural support is encouraged by way of the inserts and over time they blend into the natural tissue structure for continued support. At the time of the procedure the patient’s soft palate is given a local anesthetic to numb it and then the doctor goes ahead with implanting the inserts by way of a special medical tool. In some cases a mild painkiller will be prescribed to the patient for use if there is discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. This procedure does not even have to be done at the hospital; it can be done right in the doctor’s office.

The material that the Pillar inserts consist of has been used in other implantable medical devices for an excess of fifty years. Most patients report little if any discomfort and there is a short recuperation period. Many people return to their regular eating habits as well as their regular activities very quickly, some as soon as the same day or the day preceding the procedure.

The risks involved with the Pillar Procedure are very minimal. In fact only one percent of those treated with this method ever suffer any adverse effects. As well if so desired, the procedure can be reversed. It is important to be aware that the effectiveness of the procedure depends on a number of factors which include the size of a patient’s tonsils, their tongue position and their body mass.

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Portrait of the Average Person who Suffers from Sleep Apnea

It is estimated that anywhere from eighteen to twenty-five million individuals suffer from the disorder of sleep apnea however a surprising less than a million of these individuals are aware of it. This is a health concern that affects more men than women, and more middle aged to older men then younger men. Women of menopausal age are more likely to develop it than are younger women and after going through menopause, the incidence of sleep apnea among women becomes approximately equal to that of men. However some studies suggest that sleep apnea is under diagnosed in females. Research has shown that approximately between nine and twenty-four percent of males suffer from apnea or hypopnea and on average, four to fifteen percent of women. However be aware that sleep apnea has been found in people of all age groups, including children.

Sleep apnea is believed to affect anywhere from 1.6 to 3.4 percent of young children. It is hypothesized by experts that “sleep disorder breathing” can be found in eleven percent of children in the general population. One specific study yielded the result that while the incidence of sleep apnea rises with age, the many health problems that accompany it tend to become less severe. For example it was shown that those before the age of forty-five have more serious health consequences than those who are older.

Studies have shown that those who live in rural areas tend to suffer more incidences of sleep apnea than those who live in urban areas. However those who live in cities tend to suffer from insomnia and disturbed sleep more often. This is believed to be related to stress. Of all races in the United States those who are African American tend to have a higher likelihood of developing this sleep disorder as opposed to other ethnic groups.

Being overweight can pose a risk for developing sleep apnea especially for those who have an accumulation of fat in their abdominal areas (these people are often thought to be “apple shaped”). This is as true for adults as it is for children and teenagers. Sometimes even losing ten pounds or less can have a positive effect. It is important to point out that not everyone who experiences “sleep-disordered breathing” is overweight. This is especially the case when it comes to women and children.

There are a few physical characteristics that also seem to predispose an individual to be more likely to develop sleep apnea. For example having a larger neck may play a role. This may also partially explain why men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women. The risk is greatest for men who have a neck circumference of seventeen inches or more and for women who have a neck measurement of sixteen inches or higher.

Other physical characteristics that play a role include having a narrow upper jaw; having an overbite; having a chin that recedes, having a long lower portion of your face; having a large thick tongue and having a long, stiff soft palate.

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Factors You Cannot Change in Regard to Sleep Apnea

There are certain factors that may make a person more or less likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many of these factors are beyond a person’s control. Coupled with such things as excess pounds, smoking, drinking and a generally unhealthy lifestyle, it is even more likely that down the road you could become a patient of sleep apnea. Let’s take a look at factors you cannot change in regard to sleep apnea.

Age is one factor. More people thirty years and older experience sleep apnea with the highest occurrences being in men over the age of forty.

Sleep apnea is far more common in men than it is in women. It is believed that on average twelve to twenty million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Breaking this down into gender, approximately twenty-four percent of men in the general population have it while only nine percent of women do. Premenopausal women are less likely to suffer from sleep apnea then menopausal or post menopausal women and for reasons unclear to researchers, the occurrence of the sleep disorder is more evenly matched among the sexes after women are finished with menopause. Many studies have been done looking at the gender gap in relation to sleep apnea. Some studies point to the fact that it is two to three times more widespread in males than in females. However research studies done in sleep clinics across the country have shown results that men are five to six times more likely to experience this health problem.

Genetics plays a role in this disorder, however how large a role is unknown. If there is a family history of sleep apnea, whether it be males or females you are more likely to develop it at some point in your lifetime. There seems to be a genetic predisposition towards sleep apnea while people who have family history are less likely to become afflicted by it.

Race also plays a role according to researchers. Those of African American ethnicity as well as Hispanics and Pacific Islanders are more likely to develop the problem than are Caucasians. However that does not mean that Caucasians never develop it at all but it is in reduced rates in relation to other races. Black people tend to develop sleep apnea earlier in their lives than do Caucasian individuals.

Any medical condition that interferes with the breathing process can contribute to the onset of sleep apnea. In particular deformities to do with the spine such as scoliosis can cause problems and may bring it on.

Health conditions such as Down syndrome or Marfan’s syndrome that contribute to abnormalities of the head and face known as craniofacial problems can greatly increase a person’s chances of developing sleep apnea.

As mentioned earlier, menopause seems to play a role in developing sleep apnea. Women going through menopause are more likely to develop it than are younger women and the occurrence rates in the sexes are more evenly matched after menopause comes to an end.

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How Can I Help Myself with Sleep Apnea?

After being diagnosed with sleep apnea many patients wonder if there are any ways that they can help themselves health wise in regards to their condition. While there is presently no cure for sleep apnea there are ways to help decrease the incidence and severity of symptoms. It is wise though to first sit down and talk with your doctor or healthcare provider to learn everything about your condition and to discuss treatment methods. Ask your doctor what are the best ways you can help to improve your medical situation. Keep in mind that it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and to use these suggestions in conjunction with the prescribed treatment, whether it be CPAP, surgery, etc.

Many individuals consider these “self-help remedies” to be lifestyle changes. Be aware that these changes can also improve other medical conditions and are beneficial in improving an individual’s overall health and well being.

Weight is one important aspect that makes a difference in sleep apnea. If you are overweight or obsess lose the weight. Even losing a few pounds can make a difference in sleep apnea symptoms. An excessive amount of weight on the body can make sleep apnea worse in two different ways. First of all those who are overweight tend to have thicker necks and more fatty tissue in their neck area. Too much fat in this area can obstruct the airway and make collapse more likely. The other contributing factor is too much weight in the abdominal area makes it more likely for the muscles that control breathing to work insufficiently. Breathing muscles that don’t work to their optimum best can make breathing during nighttime sleep tremendously more difficult.

Some people find it a struggle to lose weight and prefer to attempt to lose weight or go on a special weight loss plan after they have commenced their sleep apnea treatment. This is perfectly fine. The important thing is to lose excess weight if it is necessary. If you are of a normal weight then you have nothing to worry about in this area!

Smoking makes sleep apnea a great deal worse as it contributes to a “decreased lung capacity.” As well smoking causes throat muscles to relax excessively thereby making it possible for the airway to become obstructed. Many people believe that nicotine patches are one of the best ways to help quit smoking.

Alcohol consumption should be decreased in general and should never be consumed three to four hours before bedtime. Drinking alcohol serves to depress the reflexes of breathing and by so doing, causes a case of sleep apnea to get worse. Besides alcohol, it is a wise to avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers and other medications, prescription or otherwise, that can interfere in any way with normal breathing patterns.

When you suffer allergies, throat infections or colds these can all cause narrowed airway passages and congestion in the sinuses and nose. The viruses and bacteria that cause these health problems can make sleep apnea worse. As well medication taken for these conditions can encourage sleep apnea episodes. Speak to your doctor before taking meds for any condition that could potentially bother your breathing.

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A Look at Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

In some patients suffering from sleep apnea, there is too much tissue in the uvula or the soft palate. The uvula is “the soft finger-like tissue that hangs down from the roof of the mouth into the throat” while the soft palate is “part of the roof of the mouth.” In this case a surgical procedure known as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is sometimes undertaken. This form of surgery can prove beneficial to some patients but not others. The case of the airway obstruction plays a big role in deciding what type of treatment and/or surgery is required. Also known as UPPP this surgery involves the removal of the tonsils as well as parts of the uvula and soft palate. In some cases excess tissue from the throat such as the adenoids and tonsils must be removed as well. There are also cases where a patient’s tongue is so big that it causes breathing problems and therefore a small portion of it must be taken out. This procedure alone is known as an uvulopalatopharyngoglossoplasty.

After undergoing UPPP the patient might still find it necessary to require continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This is simply a breathing apparatus resembling a mask that is worn over the face at night to allow a patient an easier time breathing and to discourage the airways from closing up during sleep time. There might be some discomfort after this kind of surgery is dome however there are some types of pain medication that patients are not advised to take because of the role they play in relaxing the muscles of the throat. These forms of medicine could serve to narrow breathing passages and therefore bring on an apneic event (or sleep apnea episode).

UPPP surgery is generally done for those whom the doctor has diagnosed has having sleep apnea due to too much tissue in their mouth, throat or nose that restricts the flow of air. As well those patients who either cannot use or do not want to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are encouraged to consider uvulopalatopharyngoplasty as a viable option for their health condition. Also those patients who have been using CPAP for a considerable length of time but do not notice any great improvement might do well to consider UPPP surgery. Finally those who suffer from severe sleep apnea but do not want to proceed with a tracheostomy to help them might want to consider this surgical alternative. Adults more often undergo this form of surgery than do children. For children who experience sleep apnea their adenoids and tonsils are often removed although this form of surgery is not done as often as it was in past generations.

UPPP carries with it a certain amount of risks or complications. Sometimes there is damage done to neighboring tissues and blood vessels, which can lead to other health concerns. As well some medications taken for pain can lead to sleep apnea episodes and a general feeling of not having had enough sleep. Often times patients will experience swelling, pain, some bleeding and sometimes infections do arise. Speech is not always the same after a UPPP procedure. Many patients notice a nasal quality to their voice after having the surgery. Finally the airway for both the nose and the throat can become narrowed after this surgery takes place.

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