Sleep Apnea is caused by an upper airway collapse while sleeping. The collapse of the airway causes an obstruction that either completely or partially blocks the airway. A complete obstruction of the airway is called an Apnea, while a partial obstruction is called a Hypopnea. These events can last from a few seconds, up to over a minute. These events can occur hundreds of times a night. A patient may partially or completely wake from sleep gasping or choking to try to resume breathing normally, without any memory of the event.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition with serious co-morbidities. People may suffer from these health problems for years without ever knowing that they are being caused by sleep apnea.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
• Loud snoring
• Choking and gasping during sleep
• Non-restorative sleep, feeling groggy in the morning
• Increased frequency of urination
• Excessive sleepiness and fatigue
• Mouth dryness
• Morning headache
• Lack of concentration
Causes of Sleep Apnea
• Enlarged tongue or tonsils
• Obesity
• Dentition: The position of the teeth can determine size and shape of the airway
• Large neck size, over 17 inches in men and more than 16 inches in women
• Male gender
• Menopause
• Co-Morbidities of Sleep Apnea
• Hypertension
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Congestive heart failure
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Erectile dysfunction
What is a Sleep Study?
Sleep studies, or polysomnograms, are tests to diagnosis sleep disorders and find out if it is snoring or sleep apnea. They generally involve spending the night sleeping at a sleep laboratory, sleep center, or a receiving a home sleep test. These tests are the best means in understanding how you sleep.
Why get tested?
If you know or suspect that you or your spouse has a Snoring or Sleep Apnea problem, do not hesitate to call the provider nearest to provide you with the best non-invasive treatment available. Home remedies do not work, and may even be dangerous. Our doctors can build you a device that is effective, comfortable and allow you relief from Snoring and Sleep Apnea. You can get help that will not only give you a quiet night’s sleep, but put you back on the road to good health and improve your quality of life.
What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?
Sleep apnea greatly impacts your health. Problems that arise from Sleep Apnea include:
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular diseases: Like heart disease, heat attacks, and heart failure
• Hypertension
• Stroke
• Impotency
• Memory loss
• Weight gain
Snoring is annoying, but can also signify potentially serious health conditions such as respiratory disorders and sleep apnea. You can get help that will not only give you a quiet night’s sleep, but put you back on the road to good health and improve your quality of life.
