American adults are in the throes of a sleep deprivation epidemic, with at least a third of adults getting less than the recommended nightly amount of sleep according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition to the obvious side effects of sleep deprivation (e.g. physical exhaustion and inability to focus) sleep apnea can also increase the risk of a number of serious health problems. Fortunately, Dr. Jeremy McConnell, your sleep and family medicine doctor in Bradenton, FL, offers diagnostic and treatment options for a range of sleep-related disorders—read on to learn how he can help improve your sleep quality!
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment
Although sleep apnea affects over 20 million American adults, many people with the condition don’t even know that they have a problem because most of the tell-tale symptoms only occur while they are asleep. Consequently, they may go to bed early, think that they’re getting a full night’s sleep, and then wake up only to feel exhausted and unable to focus.
When you have sleep apnea, the muscles in the throat relax and block the airway, interrupting the flow of oxygen throughout the night. As a result, chronic snoring and waking up coughing or gasping for air are common symptoms.
Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- – Waking up with a sore throat or “dry mouth”
- – Chronic snoring
- – Poor sleep quality (regardless of how many hours you actually sleep)
- – Insomnia
- – Hypersomnia (trouble staying awake during the day)
- – Irritability and mood swings/changes
- – Trouble concentrating
- – Memory problems
To combat sleep apnea, there are a number of treatment options available depending on the type and underlying cause of your condition. Some options include:
- – Oral appliance therapy to help to keep the airway open and oxygen flowing while you sleep
- – Lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight if obesity is a factor.
During a consultation, we can decide together on the best path to treatment
Find a Sleep Medicine Doctor in Bradenton, FL
For more information about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options available for sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, contact us today by calling (941) 792-8383 to schedule an appointment with Dr. McConnell.
