Mega Doctor News

Getting a good night’s Sleep can be a challenge with the pressures of daily life; but for people living with a chronic sleeping disorder and their bed mates, getting the recommended allowance of between seven and nine hours a night can be especially daunting.  

In the United States, about 30 million people are impacted by Sleep Apnea, a breathing condition that causes an individual to stop breathing during sleep, according to the American Medical Association (AMA). 

The negative consequences of sleep Apnea aren’t only limited to feeling irritable or lacking energy the next day due to the lack of quality sleep. Over time, the condition can cause serious complications such as high blood pressure or heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, complications with medicines and surgery, liver problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, if someone with sleep apnea shares a bed with someone, it can lead to relationship problems with their sleep-deprived partners.

Many people with sleep apnea, unfortunately, aren’t even aware they have it. In fact, only approximately six million people are diagnosed with the condition, per the AMA. The condition can affect anyone from children to the elderly, but some individuals are more likely to have it than others.

Obstructive sleep apnea, caused by a blockage of the airway, is more common among men before the age of 50. After 50 years old, it affects men and women at the same rate.

People are also more likely to develop the condition as they get older, with overweight and obese individuals at increased risk of developing sleep apnea. Additionally, it is more commonly found among people who are Black, Hispanic or of Asian descent.

Though it can be hard to identify, there are some common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, according to theCleveland Clinic, including:

• Feeling tired or exhausted when waking up

• Daytime sleepiness

• Snoring, which is the most common but doesn’t occur in all cases

• Mood changes such as developing depression or anxiety

• Disruptions in brain function such as memory loss or trouble concentrating

• Waking up repeatedly in the middle of the night

• Pauses in breathing while asleep that others witness

• Unusual breathing patterns

• Insomnia

• Night sweats and feeling restless at night

• Sexual dysfunction

• Waking up feeling short of breath or like you’re choking

• Headaches, especially when waking up

Confirming sleep apnea typically involves testing. The most common tests are an overnight sleep study, where the patient spends the night in a medical facility to monitor their sleep patterns. The test involves sensors that monitor the heart rate, breathing, blood oxygen levels, brain waves and more.

While there is no cure for the condition, there are several treatment options available.

Doctors may recommend non-medical treatments such as weight loss; position changes during sleep; over-the-counter products such as nasal sprays or adhesive strips; treating an underlying condition such as heart failure and medication changes such as decreasing or halting opioid pain medications.

One of the most common treatment options is positive airway pressure (PAP) and adaptive ventilation. This method uses a specialized device to increase the air pressure inside the airway when a person inhales. The most well-known PAP device is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

However, the CPAP or a BiPAP, which is a bilevel positive airway pressure, may not provide the necessary relief for everyone. Some report that the mask doesn’t fit well or is uncomfortable, while others with nasal or sinus structure abnormalities like a deviated septum, swollen turbinates or problems with the upper palate find it impossible to use a CPAP, according to health experts. It can also cause dry mouth, nosebleeds, skin irritation and a feeling of being bloated.

An innovative alternative to the CPAP, known as the Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation, recently debuted in the Rio Grande Valley when it was performed at STHS Edinburg last month, the first time the procedure had been performed south of San Antonio. The treatment involves an implanted system that delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the movement of the tongue and other key airway muscles. By stimulating these muscles, the airway remains open during sleep.

The procedure itself consists of two small incisions: one in the upper right chest where a small device is inserted; and one just under the chin where the hypoglossal nerve is located.

To highlight the dangers of sleep apnea and the treatment options available locally to manage the condition, South Texas Health System Edinburg will be hosting a special in-person seminar on Wednesday, October 25, from 5:30 – 6:30 pm, in the Texas Room at STHS Edinburg.

Led by Dr. Frank R. Glatz, a local ear, nose and throat specialist who performed the inaugural Inspire procedure at STHS Edinburg, the discussion will delve into what steps to take if you suspect you might have sleep apnea, as well as highlight the treatment options that may be right for you if you are diagnosed with the condition.

You can already take the first steps toward improving your sleep at the South Texas Health System Sleep Center. To learn more about sleeping disorders and the services offered, visit STHSEdinburg.com. To schedule a sleep study consultation, call (956) 213-0403.

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, speak with your doctor about the risks, benefits and expectations associated with the Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation. If you don’t have a primary care physician, you can find one near you at doctors.southtexashealthsystem.com.

The post Health Risks & Complications Associated with Sleep Apnea, Oct. 25th appeared first on Mega Doctor News.