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An excerpt from Jennifer Krahe's article "While you were sleeping." Krahe, Jennifer. While you were Sleeping: an introduction to Sleep Disorders Dentistry. Spectrum Magazine. 2005: 4(2). 56-60.

Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) is labored respiration as a result of a partial or a complete obstruction of air-flow caused by a structural problem occuring in the oral airway or nasal passages. The structural problem is referred to as an obstruction. This obstruction could be the result of a number of things, including malocclusion, obesity, age, hormone imbalace such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, pregnancy, genetic disorders such as Down's syndrome, rhinitis, nasal polups, or simply an anatomically small airway

In the United States, one-third of the population is affected, a group about three times the size of Los Angeles. These numbers make for a multitude of restless nights and tired mornings, as less than 10% of these individuals have been diagnosed, and almost none treated.

Those affected by SDB experience a range of abnormal breathing during sleep that varies from moderate to acute: snoring; Upper Airway resistance Syndrome (UARS); and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Snoring is classified as the most moderate manifestation of SDB. It is considered an indication of fhe existence or onset of a sleep breathing disorder, occuring in a variety of demographics such as young children and pregnant women.

86% of married men, as reported by their spouses, snore regularly.

60% of those over 65 suffer from sleep disordered breathing

30% of pregnant women snore

25% of all children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder snore

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome is marked by a partial loss of airway patency. Sufferers are younger than the average Obstructive Sleep Apnea patient, and generally female. UARS is accompanied by gastroseophageal reflux, depression, bruxism, hypothyroidism, and asthma.

Gastroesophageal reflux is present in 73% of those with sleep disordered breathing

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a complete loss of airway patency. Patients demonstrate inspiratory flow levels while asleep that are 50% less than when they are awake. OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of no breathing for at least 10 seconds at a time called apneic events. OSA is linked to cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, and even Alzheimer’s Disease.

57% of patients with OSA have hypertension.

90% of patients with nocturnal angina have OSA.

76% of patients with coronary artery disease have OSA.

Gold, Avram, MD et al. The Symptoms and Signs of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. Chest. January, 2003; 123(1): 87-95.

Guilleminault, Christian MD et al. “A Cause of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – The Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome.” Chest. 104 (September, 1993): 781-787.

Shepard Jr., John W. et al. Evaluation of the Upper Airway in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Sleep. 1991; 14(4): 361-371.

Robinson, A et al. GER and SDB. Stanford University Sleep Disorders Center. 7th World Congress on Sleep Apnea