Sleep is an essential aspect of maintaining overall health and well-being. However, sleep disordered breathing (SDB) – a collection of conditions causing abnormal breathing patterns during sleep – can significantly compromise sleep quality, leading to numerous physical, cognitive, and emotional health consequences.


At CSAT Taylorsville - The Center For Sleep Apnea and TMJ, our team of experts, including Dr. Jamison Spencer, DMD, MS, is dedicated to helping individuals suffering from sleep disordered breathing find relief and achieve a restorative and uninterrupted night's rest. Through advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and a commitment to patient satisfaction, we empower our patients to overcome SDB and improve their sleep quality and overall life.


In this article, we'll provide an overview of the different types of sleep disordered breathing, exploring their symptoms, causes, and potential health consequences. Additionally, we'll explain how the expert care at CSAT Taylorsville - The Center For Sleep Apnea and TMJ can identify and treat sleep disordered breathing, encouraging better sleep and enhanced overall health.

Types of Sleep Disordered Breathing

Sleep disordered breathing encompasses a variety of conditions that cause abnormal breathing patterns during sleep, interrupting the natural sleep cycle and potentially impacting overall health. The three primary types of SDB are:


  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA occurs when the upper airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, resulting in gasping or snoring, as well as frequent pauses or interruptions in breathing. This causes the individual to wake up repeatedly throughout the night, leading to fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue.
  2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Unlike OSA, CSA originates in the brain rather than the airway. The brain fails to send the necessary signals to the muscles controlling breathing, resulting in periods of shallow or paused breathing during sleep.
  3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSAS): Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, CompSAS involves a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. Typically, an individual with CompSAS is initially diagnosed with OSA, and central sleep apnea symptoms emerge during treatment with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Symptoms and Consequences of Sleep Disordered Breathing

Some common symptoms of sleep disordered breathing include:

  1. Loud, persistent snoring
  2. Paused or shallow breathing during sleep
  3. Gasping for air or choking while sleeping
  4. Frequent nighttime awakenings
  5. Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
  6. Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
  7. Morning headaches
  8. Cognitive difficulties, such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating
  9. Mood disturbances, such as depression or irritability

Sleep disordered breathing can have several consequences for a sufferer's health, including:


  1. Increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease
  2. Insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes
  3. Chronic fatigue and decreased quality of life
  4. Increased risk of workplace or motor vehicle accidents

Causes and Risk Factors for Sleep Disordered Breathing

Various factors can contribute to the development of sleep disordered breathing. Some common causes and risk factors include:


  1. Obesity and excess weight
  2. Family history of sleep apnea or other SDB conditions
  3. Age, with older adults being at higher risk
  4. Anatomical issues, such as a narrow airway, large tongue, or tonsils
  5. Alcohol and sedative consumption, which relax the throat muscles and impair the brain's ability to regulate normal breathing patterns
  6. Smoking, which can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the airway
  7. Nasal congestion or obstruction

Expert Care for Sleep Disordered Breathing at CSAT Taylorsville - The Center For Sleep Apnea and TMJ

At CSAT Taylorsville - The Center For Sleep Apnea and TMJ, our team of experts employs a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating sleep disordered breathing. Through the use of advanced diagnostics and personalized care, we aim to help our patients improve their sleep quality and reduce the risk of associated health complications.


Our approach to diagnosing and treating sleep disordered breathing involves:


  1. In-depth assessment and evaluation: Our team conducts a thorough medical history review and a physical examination to identify the potential causes and severity of the patient's sleep disordered breathing.
  2. Sleep studies: Diagnostic sleep studies, such as overnight polysomnography or home sleep apnea tests, may be employed to accurately identify the type and severity of a patient's SDB.
  3. Personalized treatment options: Based on the diagnostic results and each patient's specific needs, we tailor a customized treatment plan, which may include lifestyle interventions, positive airway pressure therapy, oral appliance therapy, or select surgical procedures.
  4. Ongoing support and follow-ups: At CSAT Taylorsville - The Center For Sleep Apnea and TMJ, we prioritize patient satisfaction and long-term success. We offer ongoing support and follow-up appointments to monitor treatment progress, adjust treatment plans as necessary, and ensure continued patient care.

Conclusion

Sleep disordered breathing can significantly impair an individual's quality of life, mental health, and overall well-being. The expert care at CSAT Taylorsville - The Center For Sleep Apnea and TMJ aims to identify and treat sleep disordered breathing, empowering our patients to regain control over their sleep and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.


If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep disordered breathing, reach out to CSAT Taylorsville - The Center For Sleep Apnea and TMJ today. Our team of experienced specialists, led by Dr. Jamison Spencer, is committed to providing the comprehensive and personalized care you need to overcome SDB and embrace a healthier future. Contact our sleep apnea and TMJ center for more details. 

Disclaimer: 

CSAT Taylorsville - The Center For Sleep Apnea and TMJ’s blog articles aim to inform readers of the treatment options available to them. However, please note that not all treatments mentioned in our blog posts may be available at our clinic. Contact us for a consultation so we can create a custom treatment plan for you.