TREATING SLEEP APNEA IN CHESTERFIELD, PRINCE GEORGE AND HENRICO, VA

Our team of experts can help diagnose, treat and explain the importance of addressing your sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea

PERSONAL DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder characterized by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. These lapses in breathing can last from a few seconds to a minute and may occur 30 times or more per hour. The repeated interruptions in breathing reduce the oxygen supply to vital organs and disrupt the natural sleep cycle, resulting in lower-quality sleep. Over time, this can lead to a range of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and daytime fatigue. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you may have sleep apnea.

SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA

Chronic snoring is the most common symptom of OSA, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. In general, a person with sleep apnea is not aware of their breathing problems at night. Other symptoms of occur during waking hours because of poor sleep and decreased oxygen levels that occur due to interrupted breathing at night. Symptoms include:

• Disrupted breathing that may become labored or even stop for up to a minute at a time
• Loud snoring with gasping, choking or snorting
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches, sore throat or dry mouth
• Irritability
• Limited attention span or difficulty thinking clearly
• Frequent need to wake up to urinate
• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

WHO IS AT RISK OF
SLEEP APNEA

Although it can affect anyone at any age—even children— you have a higher risk if you are in the following categories:

  • Being male
  • Being overweight
  • Being over the age of 40
  • A large neck size
  • Large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw bone
  • Family history
  • Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems
  • Use of sedatives, including alcohol

HOW IS SLEEP APENA DIAGNOSED?

If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, your VitalCare provider may recommend a sleep study to learn more about what is happening while you sleep. Depending on your symptoms and health history, testing may be completed at home or in a sleep center.

One type of sleep study is called a polysomnogram, or PSG. During this test, different body functions are monitored while you sleep, including breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate and other activity. A VitalCare sleep specialist will review your results to determine whether sleep apnea or another sleep disorder may be affecting your rest.

If testing confirms sleep apnea, your VitalCare provider will go over your results with you and discuss the treatment options that are the best fit for your needs.

SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT OPTIONS

A sleep apnea diagnosis does not automatically mean you will need CPAP. There are several ways to manage obstructive sleep apnea, and the right treatment depends on factors such as the severity of your condition, your anatomy, your overall health and your individual needs.

CPAP & Other PAP Therapy

Positive airway pressure, or PAP, therapy is one of the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. These devices deliver air through a mask to help keep the airway open while you sleep.

CPAP provides continuous air pressure throughout the night. Other options include APAP, which automatically adjusts pressure as needed, and BPAP, which provides different pressure levels when you breathe in and out.

Your VitalCare provider can help determine which type of PAP therapy may be most appropriate for you.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Some patients may benefit from a custom oral appliance worn while sleeping. These are specially designed to reposition your lower jaw to help keep your airway open.

Oral appliances may be an option for certain patients who cannot tolerate or prefer not to use CPAP. If this type of treatment may be appropriate for you, VitalCare Family Practice can help coordinate a referral to a dentist or other provider experienced in dental sleep medicine for proper fitting and follow-up care.

Inspire® Therapy

For certain patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who cannot use or tolerate PAP therapy, Inspire® therapy may offer another treatment option.

Inspire is an implanted upper airway stimulation system that works with your natural breathing pattern. While you sleep, the device delivers gentle stimulation to help keep the airway open.

Inspire is not appropriate for every patient. Additional evaluation is required to determine whether you meet the medical and anatomical criteria for treatment.

Lifestyle & Positional Changes

For some patients, changing sleep position may help reduce airway obstruction during the night. Healthy lifestyle changes can also play an important role in managing obstructive sleep apnea. Recommendations vary from patient to patient and may be used on their own or alongside another treatment.

Depending on your needs, your VitalCare provider may recommend:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Getting regular physical activity
  • Limiting alcohol
  • Quitting smoking
  • Developing healthier sleep habits
  • Sleeping on your side instead of your back

Other Specialist or Surgical Treatment

In some cases, the structure of the mouth, throat, jaw or upper airway may contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. If additional evaluation or treatment is needed, VitalCare Family Practice may refer you to an ENT, dental sleep medicine provider or another appropriate specialist.

Depending on the cause and severity of sleep apnea, surgical or other specialized treatments may be considered when more conservative options are not effective or appropriate.

WHY YOU SHOULD TREAT YOUR SLEEP APNEA

Left untreated, sleep apnea can continue to cause troubling symptoms such as headaches, a sore throat, snoring, tiredness and irritability. Over time, more serious, long-term health issues can develop.

These include:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Worsening of ADHD
  • Chronic headaches
  • Poor performance in everyday activities
Sleep apnea

Are you ready to take control of your sleep health? Call our team at VitalCare Family Practice today at 804-256-8282 to get started.

SLEEP APNEA FAQs

Understanding sleep apnea can make it easier to recognize symptoms and know when to seek care. Explore common questions about obstructive sleep apnea, sleep testing and the treatment options that may help you breathe and sleep more comfortably.

What are the most common symptoms of sleep apnea?

Common symptoms include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, waking up gasping or choking, morning headaches and daytime fatigue. Some people also experience difficulty concentrating, irritability or poor-quality sleep even after spending enough time in bed.

Your VitalCare provider may recommend a sleep study if you have symptoms such as loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, frequent nighttime awakenings or excessive daytime sleepiness. A sleep study records information about your breathing and other activity during sleep to help determine whether sleep apnea is present.

While CPAP is an effective treatment for many patients, it is not the only option. Depending on the severity and cause of your sleep apnea, treatment may include an oral appliance, positional therapy, lifestyle changes, weight management, Inspire® therapy or referral for specialized treatment.

Untreated sleep apnea can interfere with restful sleep and may contribute to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating and reduced quality of life. Over time, sleep apnea has also been associated with increased risks for health concerns such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

The best treatment depends on several factors, including the type and severity of your sleep apnea, your anatomy, overall health and response to previous treatments. Your VitalCare provider can review your sleep study results and help you understand which treatment options may be appropriate for your individual needs.