The director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s
Sleep Surgery division is researching the efficacy of an implantable electrode
system – similar to a pacemaker – that stimulates the tongue during sleep to
combat blockage of the airway. Obstruction of the airway can lead to sleep apnea, a
potentially life-threatening condition where breathing is interrupted during
sleep.
When normal breathing stops during sleep, it can lead to a
number of negative health consequences, including decreased oxygen flow to
crucial parts of the body, disturbances to regular heart rhythm, and inability to
get a good night’s rest, to name a few.
These debilitating effects can stem from blockage in the
airway that hinders the proper flow of breath. The tongue, as well as these
other structures in the body, can become too relaxed during sleep and obstruct
the airway:
- Soft palate tissue at the back of the mouth
- Uvula
- Tonsils
- Adenoids
- Muscles or soft tissue in the throat
After determining what’s causing your sleep apnea, a
qualified physician can recommend treatment options to keep your airway clear
during sleep. Though upper airway stimulation systems like the ones being
researched at the University of Pittsburgh are still in the initial phases, there
are also a number of existing sleep apnea
treatments that could help you breathe more easily during sleep and
preserve your health and rest.
If you believe you’re suffering from sleep apnea, please contact a local sleep doctor or
call 1-866-727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK) today to begin
exploring treatment options.