/assets/production/practices/7a49390347a4abac397126b911d8bbdbf2983f1f/images/2857932.png)
More than 25 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea increases your risk of developing a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke, and heart failure. Studies also show a strong link between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation. At Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A. in Naples, Marco Island, Port Royal, Old Naples, Bonita, Estero, and Fort Myers, Florida, their team can diagnose and treat sleep apnea so you can sleep soundly again. Before sleep apnea takes its toll on you, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Sleep Apnea Q&A
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing and start breathing repeatedly. These pauses in your breathing last from a few seconds to a few minutes at a time, or a few times each hour you sleep.
When you stop breathing, the oxygen level in your body drops, which causes your brain to do whatever is necessary to get you to start breathing again.
There are three main types of sleep apnea. The most common type of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, is caused by relaxed throat muscles.
Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles that control your breathing, while complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
The team at Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A., can determine which type of sleep apnea you have and provide a tailored treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Some common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking
- Shortness of breath
- Pauses in breathing
- Excessive daytime drowsiness
Sleep apnea is more common in men. Certain health conditions, including excess body weight, narrow airways, and a misaligned jaw, also increase your risk of developing sleep apnea.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
To diagnose sleep apnea, the team at Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A., sets you up with a sleep study that allows you to sleep at home wearing equipment that collects information about how you breathe during sleep.
This device monitors your heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow, and breathing patterns, looking for indications of a drop in your oxygen level.
How is sleep apnea treated?
There are several treatments for sleep apnea. If the team at Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A. determines that you have sleep apnea, your treatment options include:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine
A CPAP machine increases the air pressure in your throat so that your airway doesn’t collapse while you breathe.
Oral device
You wear this mouth guard-like device while sleeping to maintain an open, unobstructed airway. It’s quieter, more comfortable, and easier to keep clean than a CPAP machine.
Surgery
Several procedures are available, all with varying degrees of success and side effects.
To learn more about the available sleep apnea treatments, call Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A., or request an appointment online today.