Sleep Related Breathing Disorders

Are you drowsy in the daytime? Do you snore loudly or startle awake in the middle of the night? Do you wake up nightly to pee? Do you fall asleep while watching tv? Have you always been a "bad sleeper"?

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You may be one of the 800 000 Canadians who have sleep disordered breathing. We screen for airway conditions as part of every comprehensive examination and make recommendations for care.

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Our dentists play an essential role in the identification and care of patients with SRBDs. We have advocated on behalf of hundreds of our patients with their doctors, working together to find workable appropriate management strategies. We believe in taking care of all of you; not just your mouth.  

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SNORING

Snoring is the reverberating sound that occurs when air flows past the relaxed tissues in your throat. It can be caused by poor muscle tone, bulky tissues, enlarged tonsils, or an elongated soft palate or uvula. While occasional snoring doesn't necessarily mean there is a presence of SRBD, it can disrupt restfulness for you and your partner and may be indicative of other health issues. 

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UPPER AIRWAY RESISTANCE SYNDROME

UARS occurs when there are repetitive increases in resistance to airflow within the the upper respiratory system during sleep, leading to innumerable brief arousals and subsequent daytime sleepiness. People often feel exhausted all the time, experience regular headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia. 

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OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA 

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops during sleep. The resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, temporarily waking you up to restart proper breathing. The constant wake-sleep cycle prevents those who suffer from achieving deep restorative sleep. Risk factors for OSA include age, gender, obesity, smoking, and family history, but anyone — adults and children — can have OSA. 

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