Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which your breathing repeatedly starts and stops at night. Signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring and waking up feeling tired. Sleep apnea could also negatively affect your partner’s sleep and your overall quality of life. Dr. Raja offers treatments that help you breathe easier.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Gasping for air
• Loud snoring
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Problems staying asleep
• Irritability

Sleep apnea may increase your risk of accidents, heart problems, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and liver issues.

What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?

While anyone can develop sleep apnea, risk factors include:

• Thicker neck
• Excess weight
• Narrow airway
• Older age 
• Being male
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Using sedatives 
• Nasal congestion
• Alcohol use
• Smoking
• Certain medical conditions

Medical conditions that increase your risk of sleep apnea include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, hormone disorders, high blood pressure, heart failure, Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and lung diseases.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Dr. Raja diagnoses sleep apnea after reviewing your symptoms and medical history. He also checks your vital signs, listens to your breathing, and completes a physical exam. He may recommend undergoing a sleep study to determine the type and severity of sleep disorder. Many times, you can complete sleep studies from the comfort of your own home.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Common treatments for sleep apnea include wearing an oral appliance to keep your airway open when you sleep, using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, supplemental oxygen, or making lifestyle changes.

Lose excess weight, avoid alcohol before bed, don’t use sleeping pills, don’t smoke, get regular exercise, and eat nutritious foods. Instead of sleeping on your back, sleep on your side or your stomach at night to improve airflow.

To seek treatment for sleep apnea, snore less, and get a better night’s sleep, schedule an appointment with Manikanda Raja, MD, by phone or online today.