Breathe Better Sleep Better Live Better Podcast Ask Dr. Park: Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Dec 1, 2021
Delve into the intriguing world of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), where symptoms might leave you feeling unwell despite normal sleep studies. Discover the challenges of traditional sleep apnea diagnostics and the limitations of CPAP treatments. Explore innovative alternatives for managing sleep issues, including Tongue Nerve Stimulation and oral appliances. Listeners gain insights into practical tips for improving nasal breathing and the significance of personalized treatment approaches for optimal sleep and overall well-being.
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Apneas Must Last Ten Seconds
- The AHI counts breathing pauses only if they last 10 seconds or more per event.
- Shorter but repeated obstructions still disrupt sleep yet do not raise your AHI score.
UARS Presents Differently From OSA
- UARS patients are often thin, more likely women, and feel exhausted rather than sleepy.
- Their symptoms commonly include headaches, TMJ pain, low blood pressure, anxiety, and digestive complaints.
Sub‑10s Flow Limits Trigger Arousals
- Christian Gimeno used esophageal pressure catheters to show sub-10s flow limitations cause progressive chest pressure drops.
- Those flow-limited breaths repeatedly wake the brain even though they don't meet apnea criteria.
