Issue 35.13
Part 1
I do not snore, so I cannot have OSA
FALSE. OSA is commonly associated with snoring. However many OSA patients DO NOT SNORE. Snoring is only one sign of OSA. In fact, if a long time snorer no longer snores, this may actually indicate that their OSA has increased in severity in that there is now complete blockage of their airway. This blockage will not allow them to make a snoring sound. One should consider all of the signs when screening for OSA. If you exhibit some of these signs mentioned above, please contact your sleep professional.
I only snore mildly, so there is no real concern
FALSE. We used to think that light snoring is harmless, especially if a person does not have any signs or symptoms and/or OSA has been ruled out with a sleep study. However, new research data suggests that the trauma from snoring on the soft tissues may cause the formation of “nervous lesions” in the soft palate. These nervous lesions impair the reflex capabilities of those tissues, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse. We are taking the stance that all snoring should be viewed as the lowest threshold of sleep disordered breathing, the same way as hypertension is the beginning threshold of cardiovascular disease.
I am not overweight, so I cannot have OSA
FALSE. One of the reasons why OSA could be so under diagnosed is that it is commonly thought of as a disease of obesity. It is true that OSA risk increases with weight gain because excess fat tissue can constrict the airway. However, it is very important that everyone understands that if many world-class athletes can suffer from OSA, so can many men, women and children who are not obese. To think of it in another way, a skinny person born with a large tongue, large tonsils and adenoids can suffer from OSA. A skinny person with a deviated septum or sinus problems can have a reduced airway which puts them at higher risk of having OSA. Therefore, anyone of any body type can have OSA as adipose tissue (fat) is only one of many factors which may cause one’s airway to be constricted and/or collapse.
Since I am overweight, my OSA will go away if I just lose the weight
FALSE. OSA patients may find it difficult to lose weight as increased cortisol released by the adrenal cortex during distressed sleep increases blood glucose levels, which in turn is converted to fat. Insulin intolerance can also occur. In addition, an overweight individual who suffers from OSA will oftentimes report the lack of energy to go out and properly exercise as a result of the over stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. If one is 5 pounds overweight and has mild OSA, it is more likely that their OSA can be handled with losing weight alone than an individual who is 15 pounds or more overweight with moderate or severe OSA. And even for the slightly overweight individual, the cortisol factor may make it difficult to lose the weight with diet and exercise. The answer lies in the proper diagnosis so please contact your sleep health professional. (Part 2 continues next week)
Premier Sleep Solutions provides professional dental sleep medicine treatment in conjunction with your physician. Please contact us for further information on the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. info@premiersleepsolutions; (435)674-2100.