By Kelly Stalnaker
Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly starts and stops all night long. There are two common types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. With obstructive, the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, causing an obstruction and blocking the airway. Central, on the other hand, happens when the brain fails to control the muscles that are used to take in air. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud or abnormal snoring, daytime sleepiness, irritability, depression and waking up tired even after a full night’s sleep.
Sleep apnea is a common disorder around the world, affecting nearly 20% of the population. And according to the National Sleep Foundation, it has been reported that roughly 85% of individuals with sleep apnea do not even know they have it. This is an alarming statistic as there are numerous possible complications if it is left untreated, such as hypertension, heart disease, heart failure, stroke, cognitive/memory issues and more. Fortunately, getting a sleep apnea diagnosis is not difficult. After a thorough discussion and examination with your doctor, he or she will recommend a sleep study. Sleep studies can be done in a lab, or even in the comfort of your own bed!
Treatment options for sleep apnea have improved over the last several years and are now more comfortable and accessible. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular activity, limiting caffeine and alcohol, quitting smoking, and losing weight, can help treat obstructive sleep apnea. But, if further intervention is required, oral devices and surgical implants are now available. And the more commonly used CPAP machine has also evolved significantly. Considered the “gold standard” of sleep apnea treatment, a CPAP machine is designed to regulate breathing during sleep. It uses a system of tubing and a facemask to gently blow air and open up your airway while you sleep. CPAP machines are now much smaller, about the size of a tissue box. And much quieter, too. Your spouse could possibly still hear the machine, but it will likely be quieter than the alternative—snoring! Hundreds of facemasks are now available for the CPAP machines, increasing patient comfort and ease of use.
If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, do not delay in getting treatment!
Talk with your doctor right away. And, if you’re prescribed a CPAP machine, stop by and see us at J&B Medical to get the process started. Even if your doctor sends your prescription to another company, we can still help you as you have the final say in your healthcare. There are so many benefits to having a local provider; we handle everything in-house, from acquiring the necessary medical documentation to billing and preparing orders. And, best of all, we are available here in the office or by phone every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and we’re currently accepting new Medicare and Tricare patients! The benefits of CPAP treatment on your quality of life are immeasurable as it is hard to determine the true value of a good night’s sleep. You’ll have more energy, focus, stamina and overall better health once your sleep apnea is well controlled.
