Did you know over 22 million Americans have sleep apnea? The main symptom of sleep apnea includes snoring. It affects your sleep quality which may interfere with your health and body function. Sleep apnea can occur in anyone, but it’s more likely to occur in people with obesity or overweight. The sleep apnea Glendale specialist at Sonoran Sleep Center offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea to restore your health and sleep quality. This article will guide you on everything you would like to know about sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
It is a condition that causes you to stop and start breathing several times while you are sleeping. Sleep apnea is quite common, but many people may not be aware of the condition as the symptoms occur during sleep. Most of the time the disease ends up being undiagnosed and not treated.
Sleep apnea occurs in three different types, including;
Obstructive sleep apnea
This type of sleep apnea occurs when the tissues at the back of the throat relax, blocking your airway during sleep. It affects your breathing during sleep leading you to wake up catching up for breath.
Central sleep apnea
This type of sleep apnea develops when there is miscommunication between the brain and the muscles that regulate your breathing.
Complex sleep apnea
It is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
The following symptoms may occur if you have sleep apnea.
· Breathing pauses
· Night sweats
· Snoring
· Sudden awakenings with gasping or choking
· Morning headaches
· Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
· Frequent nighttime urination
· Drowsy driving
· Morning dry mouth
· Difficulty paying attention
Most of the time, you may not notice or remember the events of sleep apnea, and it may take a loved one to comment on your symptoms.
Sleep apnea prevents you from reaching the restful and deep phases of sleep, causing daytime sleepiness.
Diagnosis of sleep apnea
The sleep medicine specialist at Sonoran Sleep Center offers a thorough diagnosis for sleep apnea to determine the cause and provide effective treatments. They use diagnostic testing, including overnight polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing.
There are overnight suites at Sonoran Sleep Center that helps your provider monitor and record your sleep apnea symptoms as you sleep.
What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
Your provider offers various treatments to improve your symptoms and sleep quality. They may combine various techniques, including modifying your lifestyle changes. At Sonoran Sleep Center, your provider may recommend the following based on the type of sleep apnea.
· Changing your sleep position
· A pillow that elevates your head
· Maintaining a healthy weight
· Avoiding alcohol intake, tranquilizers, or sedatives
When your symptoms do not improve with the following measures, your provider may prescribe the following treatments.
Inspire sleep implant
Your provider implants a device on your upper palate to control your sleep apnea symptoms.
Mandibular advancement device
It’s a noninvasive treatment for mild and moderate cases of sleep apnea. It includes a mouthguard placed over your bottom teeth to push your bottom jaw forward to prevent the closing of your airways. Call Sonoran Sleep Center today to schedule your consultation.
