Sleep Apnea in McAllen, TX
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.
The Symptoms You May Experience
Sleep apnea can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:
- Snoring loudly
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty focusing during the day
The Causes of Sleep Apnea
There are several things that can cause sleep apnea, including:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a large neck size (17 inches or more for men, 16 inches or more for women)
- Having a small jawbone or a receding chin
- Being male
- A family history of sleep apnea
Sleep is The Most Important Time for Your Body
During sleep, your body is able to heal and repair itself from the damage done during the day. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining your health and well-being.
If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to get treatment so that you can get the restful sleep you need. Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, or with devices that help keep your airway open while you sleep. If you think you might have sleep apnea, we can help you get the treatment you need.
Treatment
If sleep apnea is mild, changes in lifestyle such as losing weight or avoiding alcohol and smoking may be all that is needed. For people with moderate to severe sleep apnea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy may be prescribed. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth during sleep. The machine forces air through the nose and into the throat, keeping the airways open and preventing pauses in breathing. Some people also need surgery to correct structural problems that are causing their sleep apnea.
People with sleep apnea should always follow their doctor’s treatment plan. Ignoring or trying to treat sleep apnea on your own can be dangerous and may make the condition worse.
There are a few things you can do to help make CPAP therapy more comfortable and successful:
1
Make sure your machine is properly adjusted and fitted to you. Your doctor or CPAP supplier can help with this.
2
Use a humidifier if dryness is a problem.
3
Try different types of masks until you find one that fits well and is comfortable.
4
Wash your face and hair before bed so that the mask does not stick to your skin or hair.
5
Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before bed, which can interfere with sleep.
6
Get up and move around every few hours to keep your blood flowing and prevent discomfort
Risks And Complications
Sleep apnea can cause a variety of health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Obesity
If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to get treatment so that you can get the restful sleep you need. Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, or with devices that help keep your airway open while you sleep. If you think you might have sleep apnea, we can help you get the treatment you need.