Restore your Sleep with Effective Sleep Apnea Treatments
Lack of a whole night’s sleep may leave you tired, and sleep deprivation can affect your moods, safety when driving, and even your performance and focus during the day. This severe disorder can lead to further complications such as heart disease if left untreated. If you have sleep apnea Houston treatment will help you restore the full, undisturbed sleep you need to keep your day going and, therefore, restore your quality of life.
What should you know about sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is an indeed severe sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts. The frequent stopping and starting, referred to as apneas, can last for a few seconds but can even extend for minutes. This episode deprives your body of oxygen, preventing you from getting full sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
It is a very common sleep disorder: it develops when the muscles in your throat relax intermittently, blocking your airway while sleeping. Snoring is the most noticeable sign.
- Central sleep apnea
This disorder arises from a failure of the brain to transmit correct signals to muscles controlling respiration.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome
It is a type of disorder that occurs when you develop obstructive and central sleep apnea.
How will you know you have sleep apnea?
You may develop the following signs and symptoms if you have sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Insomnia and Hypersomnia
- Lack of focus when awake
- Gasping for air during sleep
You may have to see a doctor if you have the above signs and symptoms to eliminate the possibility of sleep apnea. If left untreated, you may have serious health issues.
What treatments are available for sleep apnea?
You may have to go through a thorough diagnosis before a treatment plan begins. The evaluation may include a sleep study that the experienced specialists in Houston can conduct either at home or in the clinic. This evaluation will help determine your possible sleep disorder and its severity. Your doctor may then recommend a treatment. The treatments may include:
- CPAP Therapy
This treatment is the most successful for both mild and severe sleep apnea. It involves using a Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine that consists of a plastic hose connected to a mask you wear around your face. This machine will push air into your airway, preventing it from closing while sleeping. You may talk to your doctor if you experience discomfort so that they do a comfortable setting for you.
- Lifestyle change
Your doctor may recommend specific lifestyle changes like losing weight or quitting smoking if you have mild sleep apnea.
- Oral appliances
You may have to wear an oral device that keeps your throat open and help you relieve mild obstructive sleep apnea. It is easier to use.
Other treatment options your doctor may recommend are supplemental oxygen, treatment for underlying medical conditions, and surgery. You may talk to your doctor and discuss the proper treatment for you.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, visit Houston Sinus Surgery or request your appointment online today.