sleep apnea
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Struggling to Sleep? It Could Be Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form—obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—occurs when throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway. Another form, central sleep apnea, happens when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious health problems.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because it occurs during sleep, but common warning signs include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime drowsiness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating and morning headaches
How We Diagnose Sleep Apnea
We use advanced sleep studies and evaluations to diagnose sleep apnea:
- Overnight Sleep Study (Polysomnography): Monitors breathing, oxygen levels, brain activity, and heart rate while you sleep.
- Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT): A simplified version of polysomnography done at home, useful for identifying OSA.
- Pulmonary Function Tests (if needed): Help assess related respiratory issues that might affect sleep quality.
Treating Sleep Apnea Effectively
Effective management often combines lifestyle changes with medical intervention:
CPAP Therapy:
A continuous positive airway pressure device keeps airways open during sleep.
Oral Appliances or Surgery:
In select cases, dental devices or surgical options may be recommended for structural causes.
Frequently asked question
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often due to airway obstruction (obstructive sleep apnea) or impaired brain signaling (central sleep apnea).
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