Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up.
Dr. Luis Chug is a sleep medicine board certified doctor who knows the importance of sleep and is very passionate about helping people diagnose and manage their sleep disorder.
Types of Sleep Problems
Do you have trouble going to sleep at night? Do you wake up too early or have a hard time waking up at all? Are you overly tired all day? These are common problems with sleep. You may have one of the following:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Snoring
- Sleep Deprivation
- Insomnia
- Restless Leg Syndrome
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop and start breathing multiple times while you sleep. Left unmanaged, sleep apnea significantly increases your risk of more serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults?
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
To diagnose sleep apnea, your provider reviews your medical history, asks you questions about your symptoms, and conducts a physical exam. If these measures don’t provide enough information, they might also recommend participating in an overnight sleep study.
An overnight sleep study is a type of evaluation performed at a local sleep center. During an overnight sleep study, your provider monitors your heart rate, breathing, and other bodily functions while you sleep.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Whenever possible, the team uses conservative measures of care, such as lifestyle changes like weight loss, to ease the symptoms of sleep apnea. For mild sleep apnea therapies like oral appliances (to push your lower jaw slightly forward, opening up your airways) or ENT surgeries might be recommended.
For moderate to severe sleep apnea, your provider might prescribe treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Patients that failed CPAP might be candidates for an innovative surgical treatment option called the Inspire Implant. Inspire is a small device placed inside the body during an outpatient procedure that stimulates the muscles of the tongue and throat effectively opening your airway, allowing for normal breathing during sleep.
Everyone deserves a restful night’s sleep. If sleep apnea is preventing you from getting yours, make an appointment by calling the office today.
