Sleep Apnea- Important Facts To Keep You Safe

"A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything."

A good sleep always aids in keeping your mind and soul happy and healthy. But, what if you struggle to get a Good Night's Sleep? Lack of adequate sleep can make a person crankier and more annoying. This can make people around them unhappy and irritated as well.

Sleep apnea can be one of the reasons behind such a lack of adequate sleep on a regular basis. It is seen in some studies that almost 80% of people aren't treated because they do not get diagnosed. Getting the right sleep apnea treatment is vital to get rid of this disorder. Keep reading this article to know detail about the disease and the related treatment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Does the word "apnea" sound familiar to you? It is a Greek word that means "without breath." Sleep apnea is a disorder in which involuntary suspension of breathing occurs when a person is sleeping. This also causes many other health issues in one's body. Here are the core symptoms discussed:

  • A person suddenly stops breathing for a few seconds during sleeping

  • The person snores loudly or makes a choking noise while sleeping

  • The choking sound happens due to a lack of oxygen

This can threaten everyone because the obstruction can happen several times. The right sleep apnea treatment can help you get rid of this. There are mainly three types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstruction sleep apnea (OSA)- In this, there is a blockage in the upper airways

  • Central sleep apnea (CSA)- This happens when your brain doesn't receive signals from your respiratory organs

  • Complex sleep apnea- It is the conjunction of CSA and OSA

The Accurate Diagnosis

According to sleep apnea treatment providers of Oklahoma City, diagnosis is the key to solving all the problems related to the disease. Your doctor needs to evaluate you properly to diagnose this disorder. If sleep apnea treatment isn't taken in the initial stage, it can become worse later. Your doctor will examine your mouth, throat, and eyes, and once they find any abnormality, they'll recommend a sleep test.

What Medications Are Recommended For Sleep Apnea Treatment?

The doctor suggests many different non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. When it comes to medicines, you can choose from some options, but it is wise to explore all the side effects beforehand. Here are some options:

Prescription-

You cannot take some medicines unless your doctor prescribes them. Some of the medicines they might prescribe are:

  • Halcion

  • Ambien

  • Provigil

  • Valium

Over-the-Counter- Some OTC drugs include sleep apnea treatment:

  • Afrin

  • Melatonin

  • Sudafed

What Are Other Treatment Options?

There are many other treatment options:

  • CPAP-

This uses a machine that helps the pressurized air to open the airway.

  • Behavioral Modification-

This includes lifestyle changes. You have to keep a check on smoking and drinking alcohol.

  • OAT-

This is wearing a custom-made appliance which is called a splint.

We Can Help You Sleep Better

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you should contact TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Oklahoma City. We offer our patients world-class service and have some of the most renowned physicians on our team. To get the best care, call (405) 947-0044.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of the patient-doctor relationship.