Obstructive Sleep Apnea by the Numbers

As we begin the new year 2012, it is estimated that nearly 20% of adults will be affected by sleep disordered breathing and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is an astonishing number considering how serious the effects can be if left untreated. As you may know from my previous articles, many of the signs and symptoms of this disorder can be discovered at regular dental visits.  Although previously discussed as a solution to snoring, dental appliances are also the first line of therapy for mild to moderate sleep apnea. This should not be surprising as 70 % of the time, loud snoring is merely a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA.  This month, I thought I would relate the seriousness of this condition through facts and numbers taken directly from the medical literature. I hope this has the same profound effect on you as it did me. If it does, then share it. It just may save a life.

40% of the population over 40 years of age snore. This amounts to more than 87 million Americans.

70% of the time, loud snoring is indicative of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

97% of the time apneas come from obstructions, constrictions, collapsing or inflammation of the airway.

Less than 10 % of these patients have been diagnosed. The lack of diagnosis of sleep apnea is unprecedented for such a deadly condition.

From the 10% of diagnosed cases, less than 25 % have been successfully treated. This means that only 2 or 3 out of every 100 people with OSA have been successfully treated!

Obesity is the dominant factor in 50% of OSA cases (Body Mass Index of 30 or greater) This means that half of all OSA sufferers are not obese.

A neck size of 17 inches for men and 15 inches for women puts one at higher risk for OSA.

Children can also suffer from sleep disordered breathing. Enlarged tonsils, adenoids and respiratory allergies are the most common cause of OSA in children

Left untreated, children with OSA will experience disturbed sleep. These children are likely to suffer from ADD/ADHD and produce less growth hormone, (secreted during sleep) disrupting normal growth and development.

It is estimated that 75% of ADHD could be eliminated if sleep disordered breathing conditions were more commonly treated in children.

Children with OSA will usually tongue thrust to maintain the airway causing narrow crowded dental arches and unfavorable facial growth.

Like adults, children with OSA may grind their teeth, causing irreversible damage to permanent teeth.

Left untreated, children with OSA will likely progress to adult OSA and be subjected to the serious associated health risks. To put these risks into perspective, consider the following;

Type 2 diabetes on average takes 5-10 years off the average lifespan.

Smoking takes 5-10 years off the average lifespan.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea takes 10-15 years off the average lifespan!

Women who snore habitually have a higher risk of delivering developmentally retarded babies than those that only snore occasionally or not at all.

According to a study conducted at Johns Hopkins, severe OSA raises early death risk by 46%

OSA increases the risk for hypertension(high blood pressure) by 45%

OSA increases the risk of cardiovascular disease 5 times more than any other single factor, including obesity or smoking.

Blood-oxygen desaturation caused by OSA can result in irritability of cardiac muscle, and changes to the endothelium (inner lining) of the heart.

80% of nocturnal strokes can be attributed to OSA

Obstructive sleep apnea may cause G.E.R.D.  (Acid Reflux), further irritating the oro-pharyngeal airway and worsening the OSA.

Most recently, a study at Stanford University discussed the association of OSA with Alzheimer’s disease.

A second study at the University of Southern California concluded that 70% of dementia patients had OSA.   There was a strong correlation between the severity of OSA and the severity of cognitive impairment.

With all of this in mind, I sincerely hope that if you or a loved one are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of OSA that you will seek medical attention. Diagnosis can only be made with Polysomnography (Sleep Testing ). While the gold standard continues to be testing at an accredited sleep lab, some find that sleeping in that particular environment to be overly intrusive. For those patients, home sleep studies can be performed by a sleep physician or sleep dentist. The studies are quite accurate, less costly and are still read/ diagnosed by a board certified sleep physician. The only downside is that medical insurance may not pay for a home test, although they will accept it as proof of the condition for dental appliance therapy. As of 2006, recommendations from the sleep medicine governing boards state that oral mandibular repositioning  appliances should be the first line of treatment  for mild to moderate to sleep apnea.  The bottom line; Get it diagnosed and get it treated.  To find a sleep physician or sleep dentist contact the American Academy of Sleep Medicine or the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.  Otherwise, speak with your primary care physician, they will be more than willing to help.