LIVEWELL MINUTE: Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a disorder that affects more than 18 million Americans. Apnea, a forced cessation of breathing, is due to a blockage of the airway and can happen hundreds of times a night. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor sleep during the night, loud snoring, not feeling fully rested in the morning, and lethargy.

Dr. Matt Brown, M.D., The Iowa Clinic says, “Obstructive Sleep Apnea can cause permanent bodily harm and prevent people from getting the positive effects of sleep. Genio-Glossus Advancement is a new corrective procedure designed to open a person’s upper breathing passage.”

When someone is awake, the muscles in the upper part of the throat allow air to flow into the lungs. These muscles usually relax during sleep, but still permit sufficient air flow. Some individuals have a narrower passage, and during sleep, relaxation of these muscles causes the passage to close wholly or partially. The new “Genio-Glossus” surgery involves tightening the front tendon of the tongue, reducing the frequency of one’s  tongue blocking airflow to the lungs.

Dr. Brown says, “Complications resulting from this procedure are very uncommon, and there is minimal, if any, alteration in facial appearance. I’d highly recommend this procedure to someone who has been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and has not found relief from other methods.”