Sleep Apnea Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that causes snoring and breathing pauses during sleep. These breathing pauses may occur 30 times or more an hour. As a result, the quality of sleep suffers, making patients tired during the day. On top of that, life partners are often suffering too as loud and persistent snoring can keep him or her awake and take a toll on his or her well-being. 

Symptoms

The most obvious sign of obstructive sleep apnea is chronic, loud, and ongoing snoring. There is usually, too, perisistent sleepiness during the day, including while at work or driving. This may cause the sufferer to doze off during periods of inactivity. Other symptoms may include morning headaches, waking frequently throughout the night, difficulty concentrating and remembering, psychological problems such as depression or mood changes, and sore throat or dry mouth upon waking.

  • Snoring that is loud and/or gasping
  • Tiredness, fatigue, daytime sleepiness
  • Sleep cessation observed by others
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Weight gain
  • Irritability, moodiness, depression
  • Memory, concentration, learning problems
  • Waking with headache, sore/dry throat or gasping sensation
  • Recurrent awakenings or insomnia
  • Frequent bathroom visits during sleep
  • Excessive caffeine use

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

sleep apnea treatmentFragmented sleep such as that induced by obstructive sleep apnea is the most common cause of daytime sleepiness and issues related to sleep deprivation, including problems with memory, reaction time, and concentration. OSA may also lead to serious illnesses due to its reduction of oxygen levels. This combination of disturbed sleep and oxygen starvation may contribute to ailments including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, and depression, plus a significantly higher risk of accidents, including those in the workplace and while driving. 

With normal breathing, which supports the restorative sleep that is so important to human health and well being, air flows freely through the upper airway. There is no obstruction to hinder breathing. It is very common and generally does not cause sleep interruptions.

Obstructive sleep apena exists when the airway becomes blocked to the extent that it causes pauses in breathing and impaired sleep quality.

Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Increase The Risk Of:

  • High blood preassure
  • Heart attack, stroke, or irregular heartbeat
  • Severe weight gain
  • Diabetes
  • Sexual dysfunctions
  • Work-related or driving accidents
  • Fatality

Prevalence

The American Sleep Apnea Association calls sleep apnea ” a debilitating and life-shortening ailment that’s estimated to affect 22 million Americans”; in its “Global Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Chronic Respitory Diseases: A Comprehensive Approach”, World Health Organization estimates sleep apnea affects 100 million people worldwide, calling it “the most common organic sleep disorder.”

  • 1 of every 5 adults is estimated to hae at least mild OSA
  • 1 of ever 15 adults is estimated to have at least moderate OSA
  • The risk for motor vehicle accidents increases by 2.45
  • 2 of every 10 experience nightly teeth grinding

The first step in treatment resides in recognition of the symptoms and an appropriate consultation, which we can assist you with. Following, will require a sleep test which can be accomplished with a home sleep test or in a clinic study. We would then be available to discuss treatment options.

Sleep Apnea — SleepTest.com