Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome Treatment
Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a sleep-related breathing disorder that causes repeated brief awakenings because the airway narrows during sleep. At Sleep Health MD, our sleep specialists identify UARS with detailed sleep testing and help patients in Santa Cruz, Freedom, Sunnyvale, and Monterey restore deep, refreshing sleep.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome?
Upper airway resistance syndrome occurs when the soft tissues of the throat narrow during sleep, making it harder to move air. Breathing does not stop completely, as it does in obstructive sleep apnea, but the extra effort causes the brain to wake briefly, often dozens of times per hour. These micro-arousals are usually too short to remember, yet they prevent you from reaching restorative stages of sleep.
UARS is often missed because patients may not snore loudly, may not be overweight, and may have normal oxygen levels. It is common in younger adults and in women, and it frequently presents as fatigue rather than obvious breathing problems.
Signs and Symptoms of UARS
- Chronic fatigue and unrefreshing sleep despite adequate time in bed
- Light, fragmented sleep or frequent awakenings
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often mistaken for insomnia
- Mild to moderate snoring or noisy breathing
- Morning headaches, brain fog, and trouble concentrating
- Teeth grinding, which may overlap with sleep bruxism
- Cold hands and feet, lightheadedness, or anxiety in some patients
What Causes Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome?
Anatomy plays a large role. A narrow jaw, small airway, enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, chronic nasal congestion, or a recessed chin can all increase airway resistance during sleep. Sleeping on the back and alcohol use close to bedtime can make symptoms worse.
Diagnosing UARS
Standard screening tests may not detect UARS because breathing does not fully stop. An attended in-lab sleep study allows our team to measure subtle changes in airflow, breathing effort, and brain-wave arousals. Your provider will also examine the nose, mouth, and throat and review your symptoms to rule out other causes of fatigue such as idiopathic hypersomnia or circadian rhythm disorders.
Treatment for Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Because UARS sits on the same spectrum as sleep apnea, many of the same treatments are effective:
- CPAP therapy to keep the airway open with gentle air pressure
- Custom oral appliances that move the lower jaw forward
- Treatment of nasal congestion or allergies
- Positional therapy for patients whose symptoms worsen on their back
- Referral for surgical evaluation of nasal or airway anatomy in select cases
Our follow-up care helps you adjust to treatment and fine-tune your settings. If CPAP is uncomfortable, our team can help with CPAP intolerance solutions.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve been told your sleep is “normal” but you still wake up exhausted, UARS may be the missing piece. Review our other sleep conditions or check our accepted insurances before your visit.
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome FAQs
How is UARS different from sleep apnea?
In obstructive sleep apnea, breathing stops or drops sharply. In UARS, the airway narrows enough to cause brief awakenings without full breathing pauses or significant oxygen drops.
Can UARS turn into sleep apnea?
UARS and obstructive sleep apnea are part of the same spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing. Weight gain, aging, and other factors can cause UARS to progress over time.
Why do I feel tired even though my sleep test was normal?
Some home sleep tests are not sensitive enough to detect the subtle breathing changes and arousals seen in UARS. An in-lab study may be needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Does UARS cause snoring?
It can, but many patients with UARS snore only lightly or not at all, which is one reason it is often overlooked.
Is CPAP used to treat UARS?
Yes. CPAP is an effective treatment for many patients with UARS. Oral appliances and nasal treatments are also options.
Can women have UARS?
Yes. UARS is frequently seen in women and in younger, normal-weight adults who may not fit the typical sleep apnea profile.
How do I schedule a UARS evaluation?
Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online to meet with a Sleep Health MD sleep specialist.
Wake Up Feeling Rested Again
Our sleep specialists can determine whether airway resistance is behind your fatigue. Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation.