To get through our day-to-day lives full of work deadlines, family obligations, and plans with friends—a solid night’s rest is essential. There are a variety of reasons why you may not be getting the rest you need ranging from stress to anxiety to chronic pain. However, there may be another reason you do not wake up feeling rested, no matter what you do. Sleep apnea may be causing you sleepless nights, and you may not even be aware you have it. What is it? How do you get a diagnosis? How do you treat it? We have all the answers—and better yet, can help to ensure you get the rest that is much needed and much deserved.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Put most simply, sleep apnea is the repeated stoppages in breathing while sleeping. The constant interruption to airflow causes increased carbon dioxide in the body and decreased oxygen coming in. This is a potentially life-threatening situation as the heart must work harder to pump oxygen to the body which can lead to serious heart complications down the road. Often those with sleep apnea are not even aware they have a problem as the body does not always wake up when it is trying to regulate the air coming in. If you find you are waking up with severe headaches, fatigue during the day, or insomnia, you may have this sleep disorder.
How Do I Get a Diagnosis?
We are equipped to both diagnose and treat sleep apnea. First, a test will be arranged to determine if there is a sleep disorder and to help guide specific treatment for the patient’s needs. We are proud to be able to provide at-home sleep tests, so you do not need to worry about being outside the comfort of your own home. In three easy steps, we will provide a sleep test, you will take it at home, and then we will read the results to determine the best course of action for treatment. Going from restless to peaceful nights has never been more accessible.
What are the Treatment Options?
Depending on the diagnosis from the sleep test and the patient’s overall health and daily habits, treatment will vary. A change in health and lifestyle may be encouraged (i.e., eliminating smoking or stopping the consumption of alcohol). Additionally, the patient may be fitted for a dental device that encourages the lower jaw forward to help prevent blockage of the airways. Some sleep disorder patients benefit from wearing a sleep apnea mask while others are best suited for surgery which will permanently adjust the jaw forward to help with breathing and the prevention of blockages. Through formal testing and diagnosis, we can best recommend the most desirable treatment for each individual.
A good night’s sleep shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s a necessity! Our team has the training, tools, and resources to help ensure you are getting the rest you need! Contact us today to book your sleep test and allow us to support your journey towards more restful nights! Visit our Facebook page or give us a call at 732.686.6337 for more information!
