Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome

A recently recognized type of sleep-disordered breathing, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) involves repetitive increases in resistance to airflow within the upper airway.

The term “resistance” actually refers to the fact that something is either slowing or blocking the flow of air in the nasal passages, although it is easiest to think of UARS as simply severe snoring.

According to sleep experts, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome is at the midpoint of severity between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. If left untreated, UARS can turn into obstructive sleep apnea.

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome is extremely common in older women, according to otolaryngologists, and one French study found that nearly half of all women with chronic insomnia and daytime fatigue also suffer from this type of sleep-disordered breathing.

Common Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome Symptoms

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome essentially causes the chest muscles and diaphragm to work very hard to pull air into the lungs, often resulting in heavy snoring, brief arousals through the night and daytime fatigue.

While many patients suffering from UARS associate it with stress and insomnia, sleep experts insist that the Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome symptoms occur when the body half-wakes up over and over through the night. UARS keeps patients from falling into a deep and restorative sleep and in turn keeps them from feeling refreshed upon awakening in the morning.

Treatment for UARS

UARS prevalence remains unknown, although Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome treatment involves nasal CPAP, dental devices, surgical procedures and radiofrequency thermal ablation.

Disclaimer: These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult your physician regarding any sleeping disorders.