SLEEP APNEA
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SLEEP APNEA
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that needs to be treated. A board certified sleep physician can help you select a treatment plan that is right for you.
In general definition, it’s more than 5 episodes, when the breathing stops for longer than 10 seconds, with oxygen levels, drastically dropping in the body, below 95% each and every night. Some severe apneic, can stop breathing for longer than 2 minutes per episode. Imagine that! That’s more than people can hold their breath under water.
Signs You Should Get Checked
A sleep evaluation may be recommended if you have:
- Loud snoring most nights
- Gasping, choking, or witnessed pauses in breathing
- Waking up tired, even after a full night in bed
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime sleepiness, brain fog, or trouble focusing
Treatment Options
A sleep physician will tailor treatment based on your results, which may include:
- CPAP or other airway support therapy
- Oral appliance therapy (for selected cases)
- Lifestyle recommendations to support better breathing at night
- Additional therapies depending on severity and anatomy
Why Treatment Matters
When breathing stops and oxygen drops, the body has to work harder to recover, and sleep becomes less restorative. Over time, this pattern can affect your energy, mood, and overall health. Treating sleep apnea helps stabilize breathing, improve sleep quality, and reduce the strain caused by repeated oxygen dips.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
- A sleep study measures breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns to confirm the condition.
Is it only about snoring?
- No. Snoring can be a sign, but the key issue is repeated breathing pauses and oxygen drops.
Can treatment really help?
- Yes! many people notice better sleep, improved focus, and more daytime energy once breathing is regulated.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Evaluation
If you suspect sleep apnea—or someone has noticed you stop breathing at night—schedule an evaluation with a board-certified sleep physician. Proper testing and the right plan can make sleep safer and far more restful.
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