Do You Have Sleep Apnea?
The most important component in receiving the correct treatment for any sleep disorder starts with understanding your diagnosis and how it can impact your overall health. Educating our patients about sleep apnea and what it entails can help provide early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Unfortunately, what prevents many patients from getting the specific treatment that they need is their lack of awareness that they even have a problem. Dr. Reece understands this firsthand.
Dr. Michael K. Reece suffers from an obstructive sleep disorder (OSA) and understands your condition personally. His ability to relate to the condition through personal experience gives him the advantage needed to provide exceptional treatment.
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Reece has the knowledge, dedication, and care to get your life back on track.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects a person’s ability to breathe while sleeping and can even cause one to cease breathing altogether for short intervals. This is due to the collapse of soft tissues that block free airflow.
When the soft tissue collapses in the airway, it completely or partially blocks the airway, obstructing airflow and depriving the brain of oxygen. This causes the individual to snore or make choking sounds in an attempt to breathe. In response, the brain forces the individual awake in order to restore airflow.
Individuals with sleep apnea may wake up several times a night and as a result, experience fatigue, and develop various health problems.
Depending on the severity of the condition, an individual with sleep apnea may wake up between 5 to 50 times an hour.
This type of disruption to the sleep cycle leads to a myriad of problems. Those diagnosed may experience irritability, fatigue, mood swings, excessive drowiness, and more.
Failing to treat your sleep apnea may lead to serious health complications such as heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, or even depression. If you’re experiencing any of these risk factors and you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, don’t wait to find the treatment you need.
The Types Of Sleep Apnea
Ranging from mild to severe, sleep apnea is a disorder that can affects people of all ages, although it is more common amongth men and older individuals. It’s important to be aware of the condition in case you or a loved one are suffering from one of the three types of apnea. Here’s further information about each one:
OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea is the mildest form of sleep apnea and occurs as a result of a blockage to the airway. When throat muscles or the tongue relax and fall into the airway, they can obstruct the airway and limit the airflow to the lungs. Also, known as OSA, this type of sleep apnea is more common, but can be easily treated with one of our CPAP alternatives.
CSA
In contrast, central sleep apnea is more severe and differs in nature. While OSA is caused by relaxed soft tissues that block your airflow, central sleep apnea is triggered when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that help you breathe, resulting in seconds of not breathing.
Central sleep apnea is considered a serious sleep disorder that affects the lower brainstem. It may be associated with other illnesses such as kidney failure, congestive heart failure, hypothyroid disease, and neurological disease.
The third type of sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and complex called complex sleep apnea.
Receiving the Right Treatment
If you or your loved one suspect that you’re suffering from sleep apnea, the first step is to have a sleep study conducted by a sleep doctor or physician. Sleep apnea can be a dangerous disorder if left untreated, so it’s always best to speak with your doctor if you notice synptoms.
Once you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, and you’re looking for a comfortable, easy-to-use treatment, you can contact Dr. Reece for a sleep consultation. He’ll provide you with a custom-made oral appliance that many patients say is easier to comply with than the traditional CPAP mask.
Don’t wait– a better night’s sleep for you and your partner are just one consultation away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. There are other symptoms to look out for that could be signs of OSA, such as:
- Fatigue
- Irritability or depression
- Headaches in the morning
- Problems concentrating or thinking
- Sore throat or dry mouth
What causes airway obstruction?
There are various reasons for an obstructed airway. In fact, some of them may simply be out of your control. Factors such as obesity and a genetic difference, such as an enlarged neck, can cause an obstruction which results in sleep apnea. An individual who lives with obesity often develops sleep apnea due to enlarged tissues in the throat or mouth.
Does sleep apnea ever go away?
Sleep apnea can go away but in most cases, you’ll need to continue treatment. Oral appliances aren’t cures for sleep apnea, though they can make it seem like you don’t have a sleep disorder at all.
Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and learning to sleep on your side can lead to significant improvements in your sleep apnea symptoms. Learning how to treat your disorder properly can make a huge difference in your life.