Why Treat Sleep Apnea?
If left untreated, the fatigue and restlessness associated with sleep apnea often makes concentration difficult, decreases productivity at work and increases the risk of accidents and errors in daily activities.
Sleep apnea is also connected to a number of other serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, stroke, depression, weight gain, daytime fatigue, and erectile or sexual dysfunction.
Think you might have sleep apnea?
Take our self assessment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Tips For A Good Night's Sleep
Good sleep hygiene can help improve your sleep.
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Avoid watching television, or reading in bed
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Go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day
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Avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol within 4 hours of bedtime
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Avoid eating large meals prior to bedtime
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Do not smoke
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Take a warm bath prior to bedtime
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Listen to quiet music prior to bedtime
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Try relaxation exercises prior to bedtime
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Keep room dark, cool and quiet
Common Treatment Options
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Lifestyle: Suggested lifestyle changes to manage sleep apnea include: losing weight, stop smoking, limit alcohol and increase exercise. Learn more at The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , American Lung Association, and The American College of Sports Medicine.
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Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT): Some patients are successfully treated with OAT. The OAT is made by dentists and worn during sleep. It fits like an orthodontic retainer and works by advancing the lower jaw forward to maintain an open airway. Learn more at www.aadsm.org.
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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy (CPAP): The Gold Standard in the treatment of sleep apnea, CPAP provides a continuous stream of air pressure to keep the airway open. The machines themselves are now small and quiet, and there are a large variety of interfaces (nasal pillows, masks, etc.) to assure comfort.
Surgery: Depending on the severity of OSA and overall health, your physician may recommend surgery. Physical attributes such as large tongues and enlarged tonsils, or tissues can partially block the entrance to the airway and cause OSA. For more information: sleep apnea surgical treatments
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Other Sleep Disorders: There are over 80 sleep disorders including insomnia and narcolepsy. Our sleep specialists can assist in diagnosing and determining if additional tests are needed.