If you find yourself feeling exhausted and worn out after a full eight hours of sleep, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where regular breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. This can happen hundreds of times during the night, interrupting your sleep and leaving you feeling tired even after a full night's rest. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Regardless of the type, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of health problems that can seriously impact your well-being. But don’t worry—your favorite neighborhood clinic, Allegra Family Clinic, is here to help! We’ll walk you through all you need to know about sleep apnea, the health conditions it can cause, and how we can help you manage this disorder.
What is the Difference Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea?
There are two main types of sleep apnea, and the culprit behind the disrupted breathing differs in each. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the more common type, making up 80-90% of all sleep apnea cases. It occurs when the airway becomes physically blocked during sleep. This can be due to anatomical features like a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, or a recessed chin. When relaxed throat muscles fail to keep the airway open, tissues collapse, and breathing is interrupted. 2% to 8% of the general population have this form of sleep apnea, and prevalence increases with risk factors such as obesity.
Central sleep apnea (CSA), on the other hand, is a neurological issue. It’s less common, but still, 1% to 5% of the general population has this type of sleep apnea. Here, the brain itself isn't sending the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can happen for various reasons, including underlying medical conditions like heart failure or neurological disorders. In some cases, medications or even high altitude can contribute to CSA. The result, however, is the same: interrupted sleep and a lack of oxygen reaching the body.
What Can Allegra Family Clinic Do to Help with My Sleep Apnea?
While sleep apnea specialists exist, primary care physicians like those at Allegra Family Clinic play a crucial role in initial diagnosis, management, and ongoing care for your sleep apnea. In fact, most sleep specialists will not take patients without a primary care referral first, so it is vital to work with your primary care physician as a good jumping-off point for treatment. Here's how we can help:
Screening and Symptom Evaluation: We can discuss your sleep habits, daytime fatigue, and any snoring you might experience.
Risk Factor Analysis: Certain factors like weight, neck circumference, and family history can increase your risk of sleep apnea. We can assess these factors.
Initial Testing: We can conduct initial tests, such as questionnaires or home sleep studies, to gauge the severity of potential sleep apnea.
Lifestyle Modifications: For mild cases, we can recommend lifestyle changes like weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding sleep on your back, which can significantly improve your sleep.
Treatment Options: If necessary, our clinic can refer you to a sleep specialist for a definitive diagnosis and discuss treatment options like CPAP therapy or oral appliances.
Ongoing Monitoring: Even with specialist care, your primary care doctor is vital for monitoring your sleep apnea and overall health.
Don't let sleep apnea disrupt your life any longer. You deserve a good night's rest and the improved health that comes with it. Take control of your sleep health today by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Allegra Family Clinic and let our physicians help you get the restful sleep you need to thrive.
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