Sleep Apnea May Be Becoming More Common; Here’s How to Avoid or Treat This Issue

While snoring can be harmless in many cases, it is sometimes a symptom of a serious health condition called sleep apnea. This issue is characterized by the patient’s airflow becoming restricted when they sleep, and it can lead to a host of overall health problems and diminished quality of life. Here’s a quick look at what causes this problem, how you may be able to avoid it, and how your sleep doctor can help.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that can wake a sleeper up more than a hundred times in a single night in severe cases, and this can make it incredibly difficult to get adequate rest. When a person falls asleep, the muscles in their neck relax, and this can put excessive pressure on the windpipe of someone with sleep apnea. When the brain realizes it isn’t getting enough oxygen, it will send a distress signal that will cause the sleeper to awaken suddenly and out of breath. These frequent disturbances of sleep can lead to a range of issues like:

• Grogginess
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Overeating
• Anxiety
• Dependence on stimulants like caffeine or nicotine
• Falling asleep while driving

Why Is Sleep Apnea Becoming More Common?

Modern technology has made it quite easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle, and this can lead to variety of bad habits that may make sleep apnea more likely. A few risk factors include:

• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Tobacco use
• Consuming alcohol before going to sleep
• Excessive exposure to blue light (such as that produced by television and smartphone screens) in the hours before going to bed

A person may be able to avoid developing sleep apnea or lessen its symptoms by making smart eating decisions, working out regularly, kicking bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking, and limiting screentime before going to sleep.

How Can My Sleep Doctor Help?

Sleep apnea is often treated in one of three ways:

• CPAP therapy: A CPAP machine uses pressurized air to keep the windpipe open during sleep. However, many people find this method uncomfortable.
• An oral appliance: This customized device will hold the patient’s jaw in a forward position when they sleep, which can help keep their airway open.
• Combined therapy: Some patients may benefit from using a CPAP machine while wearing an oral appliance. In cases like these, the CPAP machine will usually be kept on low power, which can make the treatment much more comfortable.

Don’t let sleep apnea deprive you of rest and set you up to feel exhausted all day. Consulting with your sleep doctor can help you find the best solution for you.

About the Practice

GoTo Sleep Center for CPAP Alternatives offers the finest sleep apnea treatments in Mesa. Led by Drs. Stacey Layman, Roger Roybal, and Elizabeth Wallmann, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer service. The practice offers sleep testing as well as treatments like oral appliances and combined therapy. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact the office on the web or dial (623) 239-0007.