WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse during sleep causing a blockage in the airway. Regular breathing is repeatedly interrupted hundreds of times during sleep with pauses that can last up to 10 seconds. Having obstructive sleep apnea can mean that the brain, as well as the rest of the body, is not getting the adequate amount of oxygen it needs during rest. If left untreated, OSA can cause additional health problems and keep you from getting the adequate restorative sleep you need to function to the best of your ability.
WHAT CAUSES SLEEP APNEA?
There are numerous risk factors that increase your chance of having the condition. Some of these risk factors include:
- Males are at increased risk
- Having large tonsils
- Deviated septum or small upper airway
- Allergies, sinusitis or rhinitis
- Being overweight
- Recessed chin or small jaw
- Large neck size
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Genetics or family history
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA?
Common symptoms include:
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Chronic or loud snoring
- Pauses during breathing at night
- Waking at night with a choking or gasping sensation
- Daytime sleepiness and lack of energy
- Morning headaches
- Restless sleep and frequent trips to the bathroom at night
- Lack of concentration, mood changes and forgetfulness
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF SLEEP APNEA?
When left untreated, the condition can increase your risk for other health complications that can affect the quality of your life, such as:
- Daytime fatigue causing sufferers to experience poor concentration, slower reflexes, increased risk of motor vehicle and workplace accidents, moodiness and irritability
- Hypertension or high blood pressure is often seen in patients with the condition, as the sudden drop in blood oxygen levels that occur increases the blood pressure and strains the cardiovascular system
- Heart problems are also associated with sleep apnea including: risk of heart attack or recurrent heart attacks, stroke and an abnormal heart rhythm like atrial fibrillation
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and worsening ADHD
- Headaches
- Weight gain
At Pulmonary Associates of Richmond, our board certified sleep specialists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. Getting treatment can greatly improve the quality of your life as well as your overall health.
HOW WE DIAGNOSE SLEEP APNEA
If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, your doctor may suggest you take a test called a polysomnogram. Pulmonary Associates of Richmond has three sleep clinics conveniently located throughout the Richmond area each containing state-of-the-art sleep labs, comfortable beds, large flat screen TVs, a reclining chair and a private full bathroom. We also have home sleep test equipment that can be issued to patients when appropriate.
The polysomnogram is a multi-component test that records specific physical activities during sleep and transmits them to the sleep lab and technician. The recorded data is then analyzed by one of our specialists at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond to determine if you have sleep apnea or possibly another sleep disorder.
TREATMENT FOR SLEEP APNEA
Once you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, we can suggest some ways to modify your lifestyle that can improve the symptoms. Lifestyle changes can be an effective way to treat mild forms of the condition. Some helpful changes can be:
- Weight loss
- Reducing or avoiding alcohol use and sleeping pills
- Changing sleep positions to improve breathing
- Stop smoking
If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, certain devices can help maintain your airway during sleep.
- A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine delivers a steady amount of air pressure into your airway to keep it open throughout the night
- A customized oral appliance, available through your dentist, is another way used to open the airway during sleep. The oral appliance brings your jaw forward creating more space for air to travel through. This device can significantly reduce snoring and improve the quality of your sleep
If you have symptoms of sleep disorders, we can help. Call Pulmonary Associates of Richmond today at (804) 320-4243 to schedule an appointment with one of our sleep experts. It’s time to get the good quality sleep you deserve.