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Sleep Apnea

Get expert diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea from board-certified specialists at Reid Health’s Sleep Center.  

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Sleep apnea: Understanding and managing your sleep health

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and might occur 30 times or more an hour.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and daytime fatigue. 

 

Types of sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common form, OSA occurs when throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, blocking the upper airway.

Central sleep apnea (CSA): This less common type arises when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Complex sleep apnea syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this condition is a combination of OSA and CSA. 

 

Diagnostic process for sleep apnea

A comprehensive evaluation is essential for diagnosing sleep apnea. This typically involves:

  • Medical history review: Discussing symptoms, lifestyle, and family history.
  • Physical examination: Assessing physical features that could contribute to sleep apnea.
  • Sleep study (polysomnography): Conducted in a sleep center or at home, this test monitors various body functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, airflow, and blood oxygen levels. 

 

Recognizing the symptoms

Common signs of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. 

Treatment options

Effective treatment options for sleep apnea might include: 

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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
The most common and effective treatment, a CPAP machine delivers a constant stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. 
CPAP options
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Lifestyle modification
Incorporating weight loss, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol or sedatives can reduce sleep apnea severity. We offer a number of programs through Reid Fitness where you can partner with a certified exercise specialist to help you reach goals.
Reid Fitness
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Oral applications
Custom-fitted devices that reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open
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Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy
Includes devices like BiPAP and APAP, which adjust air pressure based on breathing patterns
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Explore Inspire Sleep Therapy

Are you one of the millions of Americans who have tried CPAP therapy without success? Inspire Sleep Therapy offers a new way to treat obstructive sleep apnea without a mask or hose.

This FDA-approved treatment works with your body’s natural breathing rhythm to keep your airway open while you sleep. If CPAP hasn’t worked for you, talk to your provider about whether Inspire Sleep Therapy could be the right fit.  

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