Sleep Apnea Treatment in Rockville
Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Since the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don’t remember it, and many believe they are getting a good night’s sleep when, in fact, they are not. The constant wake-sleep, wake-sleep cycle prevents those with sleep apnea from achieving deep sleep, resulting in a constant drowsy feeling during the day.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat, blocking the airway. If left untreated, it is a potentially life threatenig disease that can increase the risk of serious health problems. These problems include congestive heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
What are the signs of sleep apnea?
The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, contact our practice.
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- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
- Headaches upon waking in the morning
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
- Irritability or Moodiness
- Decreased sex drive or impotence
- Grinding your teeth while you sleep
- Acid Reflux such as Indegestion or Heartburn
- Difficulty Learning because of lack of Concentration
Who has sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common problem that can affect people of any age and body type, the risk increases as you get older. While the sleep disorder is more common in men, it can occur in women (especially during and after menopause) and children. Having excess body weight, a narrow airway, a recessed chin or misaligned jaw all can increase the risk of sleep apnea.
Are there different types of sleep apnea?
There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat blocking the airway. Due to this blockage no air enters the lungs when you inhale to breathe.
Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), a neurological condition in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain. Often other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, voice changes and an overall sense of weakness can be present. It often accompanies other medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, chronic heart or kidney failure and opiate use. This condition is challenging and more difficult to treat because the signal from the brain to breathe does not occur.
Some people suffer from “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.
What are risk factors for sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40+) than younger adults and children. However, anyone — regardless of gender or age — can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated it can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery; sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, let your family doctor know before taking prescribed medication or having surgery.
What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea?
Contact our practice, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a sleep study to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.
