Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome Treatment

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a sleep disorder that falls under the spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing, which includes conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The narrowing of the airway characterizes UARS, increasing resistance to airflow during sleep. This condition can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall health. At Inlinea Dental in Windsor, ON, Dr. Risha Sandu specializes in managing sleep-related disorders, including UARS, offering comprehensive care to help you achieve better sleep and improved health. Understanding Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is often underdiagnosed, as its symptoms can be less pronounced than those of obstructive sleep apnea. However, UARS can still lead to significant health issues and affect your quality of life. Unlike OSA, where there are clear episodes of breathing cessation, UARS involves subtle airflow restrictions that increase the effort to breathe during sleep. This increased effort can cause frequent arousals, disrupting your sleep cycle and preventing you from reaching deeper, restorative stages of sleep. People with UARS often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, similar to those with OSA. Other common symptoms include frequent awakenings, unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, and a sensation of choking or gasping for air during the night. Identifying and managing UARS is crucial to improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Symptoms of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome Recognizing the symptoms of UARS is the first step toward effective management. Here are some key symptoms to watch for: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Persistent tiredness during the day, despite spending an adequate amount of time in bed, often indicates disrupted sleep caused by UARS. Frequent Awakenings: Individuals with UARS often wake up multiple times during the night, leading to fragmented sleep. Morning Headaches: Headaches upon waking are common in people with UARS and are usually caused by disrupted sleep patterns. Difficulty Concentrating: Poor sleep quality can affect cognitive functions, making it hard to focus or stay alert during the day. Unrefreshing Sleep: Even after a night’s sleep, people with UARS may feel unrefreshed and tired. Choking or Gasping for Air: A sensation of choking or gasping for air during sleep is a significant symptom that can indicate UARS or other sleep-disordered breathing conditions. Diagnosing UARS Proper diagnosis of UARS often requires a thorough sleep study conducted by a healthcare professional. Dr. Risha Sandu collaborates closely with physicians to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans for her patients. Management Strategies Managing UARS involves a combination of lifestyle changes, therapeutic interventions, and, in some cases, medical devices. Dr. Sandu at Inlinea Dental employs a range of strategies to help patients manage their UARS symptoms effectively: Custom-Fitted Dental Appliances: These appliances help to keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw and tongue, reducing airway resistance. Lifestyle Changes: Weight management, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime can improve UARS symptoms. Positional Therapy: Sleeping on your side instead of your back can reduce airway resistance and improve airflow. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for individuals with UARS, especially those experiencing anxiety or stress related to their sleep disorder. CBT helps address negative thoughts and behaviors contributing to sleep disturbances, promoting healthier sleep habits. Myofunctional Exercises Myofunctional therapy involves exercises that strengthen the tongue and throat muscles, improve airway function, and reduce resistance during sleep. Dr. Sandu integrates these exercises into her treatment plans to enhance the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions. Seeking Treatment at Inlinea Dental At Inlinea Dental, Dr. Risha Sandu provides specialized care for patients suffering from UARS. Her extensive training and experience in dental sleep medicine allow her to offer effective treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs. By collaborating with physicians and utilizing the latest advancements in sleep medicine, Dr. Sandu ensures comprehensive care for her patients. If you suspect you may have Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, seeking professional evaluation and treatment is essential. Improved sleep quality can significantly enhance your overall health and well-being. Visit our blog for more information on sleep disorders and treatments, and contact Inlinea Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Risha Sandu. Take the first step towards better sleep and a healthier life.