There’s nothing so rejuvenating than a good night’s sleep, but for many of those suffering with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), sleep may not be refreshing. But did you know that your sleep position can play a role in a good night’s sleep?

SDB disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are caused by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. This interrupted sleep can result in health hazards such as daytime sleepiness, hypertension, stroke, heart failure, diabetes, depression, and the possible development of mental disorders.

Having postural stability is important and is our foundation to be able to stand and walk independently. However, studies have shown that poor posture while sleeping or your choice of sleep position can lead to sleep deprivation, which in turn creates negative effects on a person’s daytime stability. 
 
 The results of poor sleep can reduce alertness levels and lower body temperature, which along with reduced oxygen saturation levels, can lead to unsteadiness an increased risk of falls, especially in older people. SDB has also been shown to alter reflexes and reaction time while driving, as reported in a study published in the BMJ Journals.

How Your Sleep Position Affects Your Health

The position in which you sleep can have an impact on your overall comfort and health, and certain sleep positions may be recommended for those suffering from sleep apnea.

Sleeping on your Back

Sleeping on your back (supine position) is a good position for those who can breathe well. Your body gets good support, and by raising the feet above the heart, it can help alleviate swelling of the feet and ankles (edema) to reduce the impact of congestive heart failure. This is also the preferred position for infants and can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). On the other hand, for those who have trouble breathing, sleeping on your back can allow your lower jaw and tongue to shift back and obstruct the airway, leading to sleep apnea.

Sleeping on your Side

Sleeping on your left or right side (lateral position) with the legs drawn up into the fetal position may be a better solution to reduce the effects of sleep apnea and snoring. It helps keep your airways open. This position also has its drawbacks though. While lying on your side, your internal organs can shift and put pressure on the heart and lungs, causing the heart to work harder or reducing the lungs’ ability to take in air. Shoulder, hip and lower back pain can become issues in time.

Sleeping on your Stomach

The least common sleep position is on your stomach (prone position). It can avoid the problems associated with back sleeping and prevent organ shifts within the chest. It can also lead to neck pain, as the head must be turned to one side or another, and it may be harder to breathe with the weight of body limiting the diaphragm’s ability to take in air.

Sleeping Upright

You can also sleep in a position where your head is upright, as in a recliner chair or with a wedge pillow or adjustable bed. This position prevents airway collapse and may diminish problems commonly associated with sleep apnea. The downside is that you can’t easily change positions.

Address Sleep-Disordered Breathing with Airway & Sleep Group

For diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea symptoms, contact Airway & Sleep Group at (571) 244-7329. Or complete our convenient online contact form.  www.airwayandsleepgroup.com

Airway and Sleep Group/Dr. Liliana Calkins of Reston, Virginia was honored to be selected for the Best of Reston Award for two years in a row (2022 and 2023) in the Sleep Clinic category by the Reston Award Program.

“On behalf of Airway and Sleep Group, I am delighted to know that our efforts to serve the Reston region are recognized with this award,” said Dr. Calkins. “We are diligent about providing exceptional care to our patients to improve their quality of life.”

Dr. Liliana Calkins was recognized in 2019 by Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Professional of the Year in the field of Medicine in recognition of her role as Specialist in Orthodontics and Craniofacial Orthopedics. She graduated first in her class at dental school at National Autonomous University of Mexico City (UNAM) earned her certification in orthodontics with honors. Dr. Calkins is a founding member of Airway and Sleep Group of Northern Virginia and a member of numerous prominent professional organizations.

The Reston Award Program

The Reston Award Program is an annual program that honors the best of local business in the Reston community with the mission to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy. Companies that have shown the ability to use best practices, and those that implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value are chosen for the Best of Reston awards.

Each year, the Reston Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category, with a focus on quality, not quantity. These local companies enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and the Reston community, and make the Reston area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information are gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. Winners are determined based on the information gathered internally by the Reston Award Program team and data provided by third parties.

About Airway and Sleep Group

Airway and Sleep Group is a practice in Reston, VA specializing in treatments for sleep apnea, craniofacial orthopedics, TMJ and orthodontics. Our goal is to treat our patients’ conditions by correcting the shape and functionality of their mouth, tongue, jaw and bite through state-of-the-art methods. 

Contact Airway & Sleep Group

To learn more about the services provided by Airway & Sleep Group, visit our website or listen to our podcasts. Contact us at 571-244-7329 to schedule an appointment. In-person and virtual consultations are available.

What Is iNap?

There’s a new patient-centered treatment to help anyone with mild to severe sleep apnea a patient-centered and user-friendly solution for comfortable, restful sleep: iNAP®.

How iNAP Works

iNAP creates intermittent negative airway pressure, reducing and nearly eliminating sleep apnea symptoms by keeping the airway open, allowing patients to breathe naturally and sleep peacefully. During sleep, iNAP delivers a gentle suction inside the oral cavity that moves the soft tissues forward and stabilizes the tongue away from the airway. Simply insert the latex-free interface at bedtime and click the power button. 

The iNAP device is compact, light, and portable — it’s about the size of a smartphone with twice the thickness. It also requires the oral interface and tubing set, a saliva container (6”x3.1”x1.4”), and dry pads. It’s available by prescription through your specialist at Airway and Sleep Group.

Produced by Somnics, iNAP is touted as “the most comfortable sleep apnea solution” available. There’s no mask or headgear, the device is portable, and the pressure is adjustable with an optional prescription device. No humidification is needed. However, those using it must breathe well through their nose at night.

Patients can download the iNAP Lab+ app and pair it with their iNAP One® device to monitor their treatment. Information collected from the iNAP console can help evaluate usage and treatment data.

Who Is a Candidate for iNAP?

You may be an iNAP candidate if you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Speak with your sleep physician at Airway & Sleep to learn if this treatment is right for you. In clinical studies, it was effective for patients with mild, moderate, and severe OSA, but it may not work for all patients.

The ability to breathe through the nose is essential for this treatment, as the oral interface seals the mouth, tongue, and soft palate during use. However, it does not interfere with braces or Invisalign® aligners. It may also be helpful for mild teeth grinding and bruxism.

Will Insurance Cover iNap?

The FDA cleared iNAP in May 2020. It has since been approved for prescription by all 50 states. Although iNAP is eligible for coverage for those whose employers offer HSA/FSA benefits, insurance isn’t yet covering the treatment. Thankfully, two options are available to help patients who have to pay out of pocket:

1. The iNAP Club Membership: Resupplies are sent quarterly, with free shipping. A three-month trial is required, after which the patient can cancel anytime.  
2. The iNAP Ownership Program (out-of-pocket purchase pricing): Patients can use the device for up to three months, and if they return it, they’ll be reimbursed the total price minus a $250 restocking fee. 

Somnics is currently working with commercial and federal insurance carriers such as Medicare to establish coverage and reimbursement for this new therapy and its supplies.

Airway & Sleep Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and wish for better sleep, solutions are available. And Airway & Sleep Group is here to help. Our physicians diagnose and treat sleep disorders and airway obstruction to help our patients improve their quality of life.

To learn more about iNAP and to schedule your in-person or virtual appointment with Airway & Sleep Group in Northern Virginia, please contact us at (571) 244-7329 or complete our convenient online contact form.