Obstructive Sleep Apnea

at Allergy & ENT Associates of Middle TN

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing is interrupted periodically throughout the night. These pauses, or gaps, in breathing may be accompanied by choking or gasping but rarely awaken the sleeping individual. An estimated 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, many of them unaware of their condition.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central.


Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax and droop during sleep, blocking the airway and causing breathing difficulty. It is by far the most common form of the disorder.



Central sleep apnea is the result of the brain failing to properly control breathing during sleep; this is rare.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The main sign of sleep apnea is chronic, loud snoring. Symptoms may include:


  • Daytime drowsiness


  • Lack of concentration


  • Memory loss


  • Irritability and depression


  • Frequent morning headaches


  • Sore throats


  • Waking up with a dry mouth

Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Those who are male, overweight and older than the age of 40 are most at risk, though sleep apnea can – and does – affect people of both sexes and all ages.


Other factors that can contribute to sleep apnea include:


  • Natural aging


  • Excessive or bulky throat tissue


  • Large soft palate or uvula


  • Small jaw


  • Large neck


  • Oversized tonsils or adenoids


  • Allergies


  • Sinus infections


  • Tobacco use


  • Alcohol

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Sleep apnea is more than just a nuisance that robs you of sleep. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as congestive heart failure, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia.


If you suspect you are suffering from sleep apnea, schedule a visit with your physician who will perform a thorough physical examination and may set up a sleep study test.


You may be able to reduce the severity of your symptoms by implementing certain lifestyle changes, including:


  • Losing weight


  • Cutting back or eliminating alcohol (especially before bedtime)


  • Quitting smoking


  • Sleeping on your side instead of your back


  • Elevating your head


The preferred method of treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This involves controlled bursts of air pumped into your throat while you sleep, delivered through a mask that is worn over the nose and mouth and attached to a machine.


Other options for treatment include:


  • Oral mouth guards that reposition the lower jaw and tongue


  • Nasal breathing strips


  • Surgical options including but not limited to hypoglossal nerve stimulation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between obstructive and central sleep apnea?

    Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the airway being blocked when throat muscles relax during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to properly control breathing, and is rare.

  • What are the most common symptoms of sleep apnea?

    The most common sign is chronic, loud snoring. Many patients also experience daytime drowsiness, trouble concentrating, morning headaches, sore throat, and waking with a dry mouth.

  • How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?

    Treatment often includes lifestyle changes and CPAP therapy. Some patients benefit from oral appliances, nasal breathing strips, or surgical options such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

Call Allergy & ENT Associates at (615) 889-8802 to learn more or schedule an appointment.