What Is Sleep Apnea? Understanding a Common Sleep Disorder

Sleep Apnea Education & Assessments: Key Information You Need

Find Out If You May Have Sleep Apnea
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Assessing Your Sleep Apnea Risks: Are You at Risk?

Feeling tired all day and waking up groggy is not just part of life; it is potentially an early sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Knowing the symptoms, signs, and early indicators can help determine if you need to be tested for this dangerous disorder.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The word “apnea” literally means “without breath.”

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is thought to affect nearly 30 million people in the United States or 12 percent of the population. Though it’s common, the condition often goes undiagnosed.

People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and excessively and may feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, some telltale symptoms of the lurking disease.

Find Out If You May Have Sleep Apnea

Common Sleep Apnea Risk Factors: Know Your Vulnerabilities

You’re More Likely to Have Sleep Apnea If…

Risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, family history, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

An Estimated 22 Million Americans Have Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea. So, what is sleep apnea and how can it impact your health?

Undiagnosed and Untreated Sleep Apnea can lead to serious medical consequences and increased risk of:

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Energy & Productivity
  • Mood Changes
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Memory Problems & Loss

The Two Main Types of Sleep Apnea: OSA vs. CSA

Sleep apnea can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and lead to various health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It is crucial for anyone experiencing sleep apnea symptoms to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment.

Screening and testing if you suspect you may have sleep apnea is essential, as early diagnosis and treatment can help improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of serious health problems.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and occurs when the throat muscles in the back of the throat become too relaxed during sleep, which causes the tissues in the back of the throat to collapse and partially or entirely block the airflow in the airway.
When the brain senses that the person isn’t getting enough oxygen, it wakes them up enough to reopen the airway. Snoring, gasping for air, and pauses in breathing are common symptoms of OSA.
Cases of OSA have been on the rise in recent years, primarily due to increased obesity rates and increased awareness and diagnosis of the condition. OSA can be treated with an oral device, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, or in more severe sleep apnea cases, surgery.
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Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Understanding a Less Common Disorder

Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain is not sending the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, resulting in episodes of pauses in breathing during sleep. Central sleep apnea is less common than OSA and can be more challenging to diagnose and treat.

However, central sleep apnea is often seen in individuals with underlying medical conditions such as brain infections or illnesses that affect the brainstem.

Some common diseases associated with central sleep apnea include

  • Obesity
  • Parkinson’s disease,
  • Stroke, and
  • Chronic heart failure

Certain medications, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, can also contribute to developing central sleep apnea. Chronic use of opioids can lead to numbness in the breathing mechanism.

It All Starts With a Test…

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Sleep Better AZ: Your Partner in Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

Are you tired of waking up not feeling rested? Are you finding yourself falling asleep at your desk halfway through the day? You may be among millions of Americans with undiagnosed sleep apnea!

Sleep Apnea Testing: How to Diagnose the Silent Disorder

Are you just getting started on your sleep health journey? Sleep Better AZ can provide a comfortable, at-home sleep test with accurate results at a fraction of the cost of an in-person lab study.

Effective Alternatives to CPAP for Sleep Apnea Treatment

CPAP isn’t the only solution for treating sleep apnea! Our custom-fit, easily portable, and FDA-approved Oral Devices can help you treat obstructive sleep apnea without hoses, noise, or hassle.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea: Recognizing the Clues to Better Sleep

It can be difficult to diagnose sleep apnea without a test accurately. However, there are some common symptoms to look out for:

  • Loud and persistent snoring
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Choking or gasping for air during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Frequent urination during the night
  • Decreased libido or sexual dysfunction
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms may indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s essential to seek a professional evaluation and diagnosis for proper management.

Scheduling a Sleep Apnea Consultation: Your First Step to Better Sleep

You can learn much about sleep apnea online, but everyone’s anatomical needs differ.

Scheduling a consultation is the crucial first step toward understanding sleep apnea and obtaining an accurate diagnosis. At Sleep Better AZ, we encourage you to contact our experienced team of professionals specializing in sleep disorders. During your consultation, our experts will take the time to listen to your concerns and assess your symptoms thoroughly. This initial conversation sets the stage for a personalized evaluation and helps us determine if a sleep test is needed. By taking this proactive step, you’re gaining insights into your sleep health and paving the way for a more restful and revitalizing night’s sleep. Don’t hesitate to schedule your consultation today and take control of your sleep apnea journey!

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Where to Treat Sleep Apnea in Arizona: Sleep Better AZ
If you’re searching for specialized care and effective CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea in Arizona, Sleep Better AZ is here to help. Our dedicated team of experts focuses on providing personalized solutions to improve your sleep quality. With convenient consultation options and access to advanced treatments, we aim to make your journey to better sleep as seamless as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the alternatives that can transform your sleep experience. Sleep Better AZ is your partner in achieving restful nights and revitalized days.
At-Home Tests for Sleep Apnea: Convenient and Reliable Diagnosis
At-home sleep tests are generally effective at diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common form of sleep apnea. These tests are designed to be convenient and accessible, allowing individuals to monitor critical parameters like airflow, oxygen saturation, respiratory effort, and heart rate from the comfort of their beds. They are particularly suitable for individuals with classic OSA symptoms, such as loud apnea snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and excessive daytime fatigue. While at-home tests can be highly effective in diagnosing OSA, it’s important to emphasize that their accuracy may vary for different types of sleep disorders, like central sleep apnea (CSA), which might require more extensive monitoring in a sleep lab to understand the sleep apnea definition. Nevertheless, for many individuals, at-home sleep tests provide a reliable and convenient way to initiate the diagnosis process for sleep apnea, ultimately leading to appropriate care and improved sleep quality. However, working with a healthcare professional, like a sleep specialist or a dentist focusing on sleep disorders and oral care, is crucial to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your unique needs as patients. Here at Sleep Better AZ, we offer at-home sleep tests. In the rare event that your situation requires an in-lab test, we’ll communicate with you transparently.
How Many At-Home Tests Do You Need for a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis?
In most cases, you typically only need to take one at-home sleep test to receive a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These tests capture essential data during a single night of sleep, such as airflow, oxygen saturation, respiratory effort, and heart rate, which are crucial for understanding what is sleep apnea. However, it’s important to note that the specific testing process can vary depending on individual circumstances and the healthcare provider’s recommendations. If there are uncertainties in the results or if other sleep disorders are suspected, additional testing or a follow-up evaluation in a sleep lab may be necessary to address severe sleep apnea. Ultimately, the sleep specialist determines the number of tests required for a diagnosis based on your medical history, symptoms, and initial test results. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in sleep medicine to guide you through the diagnosis and apnea treatment process effectively. When dealing with apnea disorder, personalized sleep care is critical to improving your sleep quality and overall health.
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