You might have heard of sleep apnea, a condition where people stop breathing for short periods while sleeping. But have you heard of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)? It’s a bit like sleep apnea’s lesser-known cousin. In fact, it is considered to be similar to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), but less severe.
Though it may be lesser-known, UARS is likely more common than OSA. And while it isn’t as well-known, understanding UARS can help many people improve their sleep and overall well-being. If you or someone you care about snores, then they may have UARS.
UARS is a sleep disorder. Imagine you’re trying to drink a thick shake through a tiny straw. It’s hard work, right? For people with UARS, it’s a similar struggle to get air into their lungs while sleeping. Their airway becomes narrow, but unlike sleep apnea, it doesn’t completely close. This makes breathing difficult and causes interruptions in their sleep.
When we talk about sleep-related breathing disorders, two names often come up: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). While they might sound similar, there are distinct differences between the two. Let’s compare them side-by-side:
In essence, while OSA and UARS are both sleep disorders that involve breathing disturbances, they have unique characteristics. It’s essential to recognize and treat each condition appropriately. Both conditions can affect the quality of life, and if left untreated, they can lead to more severe health issues.
You might think, “well, if the airway isn’t closed, what’s the big deal?” The challenge with UARS is that it can make you feel tired and groggy during the day. Because of the resistance in the airway, the body has to work harder to breathe. In fact, your blood oxygen levels may drop throughout the night, forcing your brain to wake you up to breathe. Often, these brief periods of wakefulness happen without you knowing or remembering. This constant effort can prevent you from getting deep, refreshing sleep.
Some common signs of UARS include:
Several factors can cause or contribute to UARS. Some of them include:
Sometimes, the reason for UARS is not entirely clear, and it might be a combination of several factors.
Good news! UARS is treatable. Some of the common treatments include:
If you suspect you have UARS or know someone who might, it’s essential to see a professional. In our community, we’re fortunate to have dedicated dental experts like Dr. Richard Dawson and Dr. John Turke at Smile Science Dental Spa. They understand the unique challenges UARS presents and have the expertise to offer the best solutions for their patients.
If you’re experiencing sleep disruptions, feeling overly tired, or facing difficulties focusing during the day, UARS could be the culprit. Don’t wait. Get the help you deserve and improve your quality of sleep and life. Contact Smile Science Dental Spa today, where Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are ready to assist with your UARS concerns.
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