Do You Snore? It Might Be Sleep Apnea!
Helping Texas Correct Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Almost everyone has heard the term “sleep apnea,” but there are many more conditions related to your sleep and your breathing than just apnea. These conditions are grouped under the term “sleep-disordered breathing.” Sleep-disordered breathing – from snoring to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea – can be hazardous to your health, contributing to anything from heart attacks and strokes to weight gain and depression.
-
Snoring
Snoring is one of the primary – and most noticeable – signs of a nighttime breathing problem. Although it is loud and can disturb anyone trying to sleep nearby, snoring has more than social implications. Chronic, loud snoring disturbs sleep and can therefore lead to fatigue and daytime drowsiness. However, snoring can also indicate a more serious condition. If you are experiencing daytime sleepiness, chronic fatigue, morning headache, irritability, impaired memory and judgment, and mood disturbance, more than sound may be disturbing you. Loud snoring can be a signal that something is seriously wrong with your breathing during sleep. Your snoring, coupled with these symptoms could be an indicator of sleep apnea.
-
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome is defined as an obstructive sleep breathing disorder in which repetitive increases in resistance to airflow in the upper airway lead to arousals from restful sleep and daytime fatigue. While UARS patients do not stop breathing completely, they do experience airway resistance, difficulty breathing and some snoring. Worse, many patients do not realize they have it and as a result, never seek treatment. While daytime sleepiness and nighttime grinding of teeth are two of the primary symptoms of UARS, it can also lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and reflux.
-
Sleep Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you are experiencing daytime sleepiness, chronic fatigue, morning headache, irritability, impaired memory and judgment, and mood disturbance, more than sound may be disturbing you. Loud snoring, when followed by a cessation of breath and loud gasping, is a clear indicator of sleep apnea. Amazingly, people with severe sleep apnea can stop breathing as many as eighty times an hour and never realize they are doing it.
Sleep apnea is a very serious condition.
Because of this, a variety of symptoms can develop, including:
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- High Blood Pressure
- Restlessness While Sleeping
- Nighttime Sweating
- Nighttime Chest Pain
- Memory Problems
- Difficulty Concentrating
- ADD and ADHD
- Depression/Mood Swings
- Weight Gain
- Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
- Grinding/Wear of Teeth
Healthy Sleep Texas Can Help You Get Your Rest and Find Total Health
Our treatment options are comprehensive and multifaceted to help you find deep and restful sleep for total, lasting health and vitality.
Coordinated treatment options include:
Oral Appliance Therapy
How does it work? One of the most common problems in sleep apnea and snoring is that the base of the tongue collapses against the airway, obstructing it and making breathing difficult. The oral appliance we offer consists of a easy to use Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) that attaches to your teeth and brings the jaw forward. Since your tongue is attached to your jaw, it also comes forward, opening up the back of the throat.
CPAP Machine
Some patients have a difficult time acclimating to their CPAP, primarily because of mask discomfort or noise. There are a number of CPAP machines and mask types available and we will work diligently with you to get the most comfortable CPAP. Be sure to give yourself some time to get used to the machine – most of our patients acclimate after a few days of use and feel better than ever!
Behavior Modification
These therapies might include “positional therapy” designed to help you learn to sleep on your side. Side sleeping keeps your airway from collapsing as much and maintaining its integrity. Talk to us – we can help you design your personal sleep therapy behavior modification program and routine.
Surgical Options
Whatever your sleep-disordered breathing needs are, Healthy Sleep Texas will develop an individualized treatment plan to help you start enjoying life to the fullest.