Sleep Study

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can have serious consequences if left untreated. It is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping, which can disrupt a person's sleep and lead to a variety of health problems.

There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the more common form and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and block the airway, causing a person to briefly stop breathing. CSA, on the other hand, occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, waking up frequently during the night to urinate, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and feeling tired or groggy during the day. If you have these symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine if you have sleep apnea and to discuss treatment options.

Treatment options for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime. Other treatments may include using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep, or an oral appliance, which helps to keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue or to repair structural abnormalities in the airway.

It is important to address sleep apnea as it can have serious consequences if left untreated. These may include high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and even death. If you think you may have sleep apnea, speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for you.