Sleep Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD)

encompass various conditions that disrupt normal breathing patterns during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and numerous health issues. 

A Journey to Better Sleep: He Struggled With Snoring for Decades. It Was Impacting His Sleep Quality & Overall Health.

I knew I snored because I was constantly told I snored. I wanted my sleep to be a really important time for me. My snoring volume and frequency reduced by 20-40% after each treatment. I felt better and I function better now.  It’s dramatically improved my quality of life.
– David. Retired. Actively involved in various projects, including publishing a book and developing online programs. Responded very well to NightLase Therapy.
NightLase therapy is a non-invasive solution that has shown dramatic improvements in reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.

– Dr. David Jacobson,  Founder, Maine Airway Health

Reversing and Preventing Sleep Related Breathing Disorders in Children

Children with Sleep Related Breathing Disorders may experience behavioral problems and developmental delays.

By leveraging a child’s natural growth, airway orthodontic techniques can correct mouth breathing while optimizing jaw and airway development. This proactive approach helps prevent and reverse Sleep Related Breathing Disorders.

“Good sleep is critical for brain health and overall development, especially in children. Our treatments aim to improve sleep quality significantly.”

-Dr. David Jacobson,  Founder, Maine Airway Health

Sleep Related Breathing Disorders: 

The First Signs Are Usually Mouth Breathing and Snoring

Sleep Related Breathing Disorders can significantly affect sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue, cognitive impairment, and increased cardiovascular risk.

Sleep Related Breathing Disorders include conditions such as snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome and sleep apnea.

These disorders disrupt sleep and can lead to severe health complications if untreated.

Snoring:

Definition: A common condition where the tissues of the throat vibrate as air flows past, creating a noisy sound. Snoring can be a symptom of more serious sleep disorders like OSA or UARS.
Impact: While often perceived as a minor annoyance, frequent and loud snoring can disrupt the snorer’s sleep as well as their partner’s, potentially leading to fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue.

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS):

Definition: A condition where the upper airway is partially restricted, leading to increased breathing effort and disrupted sleep. Unlike OSA, UARS does not cause significant drops in blood oxygen levels but can still result in sleep fragmentation and daytime sleepiness.
Impact: Causes frequent arousals from sleep due to increased effort to maintain airflow, resulting in poor sleep quality.

Sleep Apnea:

Definition: A serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep.
Impact: Causes repeated pauses in breathing, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced blood oxygen levels.

 “Airway, sleep, and breathing are interconnected. Treating these issues holistically can improve overall health in significant ways. Our treatments aim to improve sleep quality significantly.”
-Dr. David Jacobson,  Founder, Maine Airway Health

Common Sleep Related Breathing Disorder Symptoms Across Age Groups 

Infants

Mouth Breathing
Difficulty breathing during sleep
Restless sleep
Poor weight gain
Snoring or noisy breathing

Children

Mouth Breathing
Snoring
Bedwetting
Behavioral issues

Adults

Mouth Breathing
Loud snoring
Daytime sleepiness
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating

Comprehensive Diagnostics, Home Sleep Studies &  Collaboration with Medical Providers 

Dr. Jacobson utilizes a thorough diagnostic approach, including patient history, clinical examination, sleep studies, and advanced imaging techniques, to accurately identify SRBD.

A home sleep study is often recommended for an accurate screening evaluation. MAH partners with sleep physicians to provide comprehensive evaluations and effective treatment plans.

“Our approach involves delivering a personalized, comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment plan that addresses the root cause of problems, alleviates symptoms, and improves long-term health outcomes.”
-Dr. David Jacobson,  Founder, Maine Airway Health

Innovative Treatments To Restore Sleep Quality, Improve Quality of Life &  Enhance Overall Wellbeing

At MAH, we offer a range of innovative treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs:

Oral Appliances

 Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.

Myofunctional Therapy

Exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat.

Surgical Options

Procedures to reposition the jaw.

Airway Orthodontics

Techniques that guide proper jaw and airway development, optimizing growth to prevent and reverse TMJD.

Lifestyle Changes

Recommendations such as weight loss, sleep position adjustments, and smoking cessation.

NightLase Therapy

A non-invasive laser treatment to tighten tissues in the throat, reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
Treating SRBD can lead to significant improvements in quality of life, including enhanced sleep quality, reduced daytime sleepiness, improved cognitive function, and lowered risk of cardiovascular diseases. Patients at MAH often report significant improvements in their overall health and well-being following treatment.

What is NightLase and How Does It Work?

NightLase is a gentle, non-invasive laser treatment designed to reduce snoring and alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea. By using advanced laser technology, NightLase tightens the tissues in the upper airway, helping to keep it open during sleep. This results in a significant reduction in snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. The treatment works by stimulating the production of collagen, which naturally firms and strengthens the airway tissues. NightLase treatments are typically performed in a series of 3 to 4 sessions, each spaced approximately 3 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results.

MAH Is A Boutique Wellness Center Offering Holistic, Interdisciplinary Care That Addresses The Root Causes of Health Issues, Rather Than Just Treating The Symptoms. 

If you suspect that you or your child may benefit from treatment regarding Sleep Related Breathing Disorders, contact us today to schedule an evaluation. At Maine Airway Health, we are committed to providing the highest level of care to improve your quality of life.