Sleep Apnea

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:

The Causes of Sleep Apnea

There are several things that can cause sleep apnea, including:

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.