Respiratory Effort Related Arousals Treatment in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
What is a respiratory effort-related arousal?
Sleep arousals are sudden shifts in brain wave activity that occur during sleep. This means you can abruptly go from being in a deep slumber to a light sleep or from being in a light sleep to being fully awake. Respiratory effort-related sleep arousal, also known as RERAs, occur when breathing takes a greater effort for ten or more seconds during sleep, causing a sudden change in your sleep cycle.
Although respiratory effort-related arousals do not qualify as apnea or hypopnea, they do cause the sleeper to experience sleep disruptions that can lead to daily fatigue, irritability, and other symptoms. If you or a loved one suffers from upper airway resistance syndrome, a consultation with a Dental365Sleep specialist can help you discover what treatment options are available to you.
What causes respiratory effort-related arousals?
Respiratory effort-related arousals occur when breathing becomes more intense for ten or more seconds during sleep, causing you to either partially or fully awaken from your sleep. RERAs are usually a symptom of upper airway resistance syndrome, and measuring RERAs can help your doctor determine if you have upper airway respirators syndrome.
What are the symptoms of respiratory effort-related arousals?
Symptoms of respiratory effort-related arousals are similar to those experienced with upper airway resistance syndrome and may include:
- Suddenly waking from your sleep
- Feeling tired and fatigued during the day
- Irritability
How are respiratory effort-related arousals diagnosed?
Since RERAs occur while you are asleep, it is likely that your doctor will recommend a nocturnal esophageal manometry, an at-home test that can measure the pressure changes within your thorax while you are sleeping.
Can RERA lead to complications if left untreated?
RERAs may be an indicator of upper airway resistance syndrome. Left untreated, upper airway resistance syndrome can progress to obstructive sleep apnea, which is a serious sleep condition that can lead to serious health-related issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Upper airway resistance may also lead to insomnia, weight gain, and daytime fatigue.
How are respiratory effort-related arousals treated?
Respiratory effort-related arousals may be treated with similar solutions as those used for upper airway resistance syndrome and other sleep disorders. Treatment options for respiratory effort-related arousals range from conservative treatment options to surgery and may include:
- Adopting good sleeping habits
- Maintaining a healthy diet and weight
- CPAP therapy
- Oral appliance therapy
- Surgery
If you or a loved one is suffering from respiratory effort-related arousals, a consultation with a dental sleep specialist can help you be on your way towards achieving a better night’s rest. The dental sleep specialists at Dental365Sleep offer modern treatment solutions with high-quality care and appointment availability seven days a week for maximum convenience. Call 844.365.DENTAL or click the appointment request button to schedule an appointment or to learn more about treatment options for respiratory effort-related arousals.
