Can Naps Interfere with a Good Night’s Sleep?

Napping is often necessitated by extreme fatigue during the day. But napping in exchange of sleeping at night is never a good idea.

Difficulties sleeping at night is one of the symptoms of sleep apnea. If you have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, visiting a sleep physician is the first step in determining if you are suffering from this common disorder.

Please find a sleep apnea dentist or call 866.727.6275 today to find a doctor in your area.

     In addition to daytime fatigue, symptoms of sleep apnea may include:         

• Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Frequent morning headaches
• Difficulties concentrating
• Memory loss
•  Inappropriate emotional reactions

Because these symptoms occur during the day, they are often more noticeable to those who suffer from sleep apnea. Symptoms such as snoring, choking or gasping for air while sleeping, and periods of breath cessation also indicate sleep apnea, but most people with the disorder have no memory of nighttime symptoms.

If you or a loved one is frequently napping or showing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact an experienced sleep apnea physician in your area to schedule a sleep evaluation today.

Diet and Exercise can Greatly Reduce Sleep Apnea Risks

Two of the primary risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea are obesity and inactivity. When you have these risk factors and are diagnosed with sleep apnea, oral appliances and other common treatments may not be sufficient to alone treat the problem. Fortunately, combining sleep apnea treatment with lifestyle changes can greatly reduce your risks for future sleep disturbances.

To learn more about sleep apnea treatments, please find a sleep apnea dentist or call 866.727.6275 today to find a doctor in your area.

Lifestyle changes often seem daunting when initially placed under consideration. However, you needn’t become a marathon runner or Iron Man to reduce your risks for sleep apnea. Making healthy choices is actually quite easy and, because these choices can reduce sleep apnea complications, motivation may be easier to find.

To reduce sleep apnea risks, try incorporating at least two hours of moderate exercise into your week. Daily is best, but even walking after dinner a few nights a week is a start. Cut down on simple carbohydrates and eliminate processed sugar from your diet. Opt instead for fresh fruits and vegetables, complex gains, and lean meats. Not only will this help you feel better and reduce sleep apnea risks, it will open you up to an entirely new world of exciting and exotic flavors.

During you sleep apnea treatment consultation, your physician will be able to give you specific suggestions to help treat your condition from multiple angles.

If you are at risk for sleep apnea, please contact an experienced sleep apnea doctor in your area for a treatment consultation today.

New Treatment for Central Sleep Apnea

A new study has found that people who suffer from central sleep apnea may be able to treat the problem with an implantable device similar to a pacemaker. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain and respiratory system fail to properly communicate, making sleep apnea treatments such as oral appliances ineffective and often necessitating CPAP machines.

CPAP machines can interfere with a good night’s sleep due to noise and general discomfort. This new pacemaker-like device may prove incredibly helpful in eliminating the need for CPAP, in people with central sleep apnea, though more research is needed before it becomes widely available.

If you would like more information about treating central sleep apnea, please find a sleep apnea dentist or call 866.727.6275 today.

The device under study is implanted just below the collarbone and connected by wire to the phrenic nerves. The phrenic nerves are responsible for carrying signals from the brain to the diaphragm and are suspected as the main communication break in central sleep apnea patients. The device can be programed to match the sleep patterns of patients, sending electrical impulses through the phrenic nerves during regular sleep times.

Initial results are promising. 76 percent of the patients reported sleeping better and enjoying a more rewarding quality of life after one month of use. More objective data found that patients with hypertension had a reduction in blood pressure after using the device as well.

To learn more about advancements in diagnosing and treating central sleep apnea, please contact an experienced sleep apnea doctor in your area today.

New Survey Suggests a Majority of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Cases Remain Undiagnosed

A new survey conducted by NovaSom and The American Sleep Apnea Association has found that as many as 85 percent of obstructive sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed. The survey, which polled more than 500 American adults between the ages of 30 and 65, was consistent with previous surveys and studies that have found a similar percentage of adults are unaware of the symptoms of sleep apnea and are not certain when it is necessary to seek medical assistance.

If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea, please find a sleep apnea dentist or call 866.727.6275 today to find a doctor in your area.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea, affecting an estimated 43 million Americans. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking and gasping while sleeping, and other nighttime disturbances. Untreated, the dangers of sleep apnea include an increased risk for heart disease and hypertension, along with cognitive disruptions and mood disorders.

Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea requires the assistance of an experienced sleep doctor. People who suffer from the symptoms of sleep apnea should not delay in seeking medical help.

If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact an experienced sleep apnea doctor in your area to schedule a sleep evaluation today.