Wellness Wednesday: High Blood Pressure and Sleep Apnea

Summary

Sleep apnea is a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. It can have far-reaching consequences, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.

 Recent advancements in oral appliances offer a promising avenue for managing sleep apnea and reducing blood pressure. Sleep apnea comes in two primary forms: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Both types result in a lack of oxygen and trigger the release of stress hormones, raising blood pressure and putting strain on the cardiovascular system.

 The gold standard for treating sleep apnea used to be CPAPs, but many patients seek alternative options due to factors like discomfort and noise. One alternative option is oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices or mandibular repositioning appliances. These custom-fit devices gently reposition the lower jaw forward, preventing the collapse of the airway and promoting unobstructed breathing. Studies have shown that oral appliances can be highly effective in reducing the severity of sleep apnea and improving symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness. Additionally, research indicates that these devices can also lead to significant reductions in blood pressure. The conversation discusses two oral appliances designed to improve breathing at night and treat sleep apnea, snoring, and airway obstructions. 

The first appliance is the Silent Night, which can be customized to fit individual needs and has a high compliance rate. The second appliance is the Vivos Versa, made of medical-grade nylon and ideal for people who grind or clench their teeth. It promotes growth and development, nasal breathing, and trains the oral facial muscles and tongue. However, not all patients will respond equally, and factors such as the severity of sleep apnea and individual preferences must be considered. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition with potentially life-threatening consequences. However, there are new, innovative, FDA-approved approaches to manage sleep apnea, such as oral appliance therapy. Regular follow-ups with a qualified sleep expert or airway-focused dentist are crucial for assessing treatment progress and making necessary modifications to oral appliances. 

Addressing sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy not only improves sleep quality and daytime functioning but also reduces the risk of hypertension and its associated complications. Sleep apnea and high blood pressure can have symptoms or be asymptomatic, so it's important to get screened and know your numbers.
#sleepapnea #sleepapneaawareness #hypertension #highbloodpressure #snoring #mouthbreathing #beyondbreathing
Chapters
02:01 The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Blood Pressure and the Cardiovascular System
03:52 Reducing Blood Pressure
06:26 Considerations for Choosing an Oral Appliance
08:18 The Importance of Screening
08:38 Conclusion