Sleep Apnea Treatment in Arlington, TX
Many people snore, and snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, but snoring is also only one of many other issues caused by this potentially threatening sleep disorder. That includes issues from fatigue to depression, and sleep apnea is also linked to heart disease.
While nearly half of all people snore at some point in time, sometimes that snoring is more than a common occurrence. The most obvious trait of this potentially dangerous sleep disorder is that it causes breathing cessation and sometimes ‘gasping’ during sleep. The good news is there is effective medical help for issues like sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Services
If you live in or around Arlington, TX, and are looking for sleep apnea services, Heart & Sleep Clinics of America are here to help. The expert team at Heart & Sleep Clinics of America, behind the leadership of board-certified cardiologist Dr. Atif Sohail, offers a range of sleep apnea services.
At Heart & Sleep Clinics of America, we also specialize in the link between sleep apnea and heart disease, including tools, resources, and techniques to help diagnose heart disease. The good news is that early detection can lead to effectively treating or even preventing heart disease.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a prevalent yet commonly undiagnosed dangerous sleep disorder that interferes with healthy breathing patterns during sleep. It is characterized by snoring, which may be so loud that it affects the sleep quality of bed partners. Having sleep apnea can put a strain on relationships, cause daytime fatigue, and sometimes lead to other secondary conditions such as depression. In severe cases, it can even be life threatening.
Though snoring is a primary symptom of sleep apnea, not all people who snore also have sleep apnea. As much as 50 percent of Americans snore at some time, whether occasionally or chronically. However, only 5-10 percent of American adults have sleep apnea. So what’s the difference? Harmless snoring does not interfere with breathing patterns. Sleep apnea on the other hand, causes breathing cessations and sometimes ‘gasping’ during sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED TREATMENT FOR SLEEP APNEA?
You may need to see a doctor if you or your partner has been awakened by your chronic snoring and/or gasping for air. Though this condition can be very dangerous, your doctor can help you discover ways of managing sleep apnea and protecting healthy breathing during sleep. Doctors usually cannot detect sleep apnea during a simple office visit, as it requires a dedicated sleep study.
HOW WILL MY DOCTOR SCREEN FOR SLEEP APNEA?
Your doctor’s first goal will be to determine whether your snoring is benign, or if it is a symptom of sleep apnea. This may be determined by speaking with you and your partner about your symptoms. If you do not have a partner who can confirm snoring or breathing interruptions, your doctor may request a sleep study.
WHAT TYPES OF TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH SLEEP APNEA?
There are many ways of treating the symptoms of sleep apnea. These can include conservative approaches such as a new sleeping position, using an oral appliance, or even just losing weight as a way to effectively open the airway during sleep. However, if your symptoms persist or conservative treatments are ineffective, you may be prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device (CPAP) to open the airway. In severe cases, surgery may even be necessary. Keep in mind that a diagnosis of sleep apnea is not always permanent. The most effective way to determine if you have sleep apnea is by having a sleep study done either in a lab, or even in the comfort of your own home.
Get Help for Sleep Apnea
Those suffering from sleep apnea will likely snore at louder-than-normal volumes. That can also lead to problems for sleeping partners or even the household, leading to strained relationships, in addition to fatigue. In some cases, the lack of rest and sleep can result in depression and, in the most severe cases, even life-threatening circumstances.
If you or someone you care about might have sleep apnea and want to talk to a medical professional, the Heart & Sleep Clinics of America can help. You don’t have to live with sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and doing so could lead to even more concerning problems.
Contact us and let the caring medical professionals at Heart & Sleep Clinics of America help. There is more to a good night’s sleep than rest, and it is good for your heart and those you love.
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