SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT IN SALT LAKE CITY

The most vital aspect of our daily life is sleep. We can wake up each morning feeling relaxed and renewed after getting a good night's sleep. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea come see us for sleep apnea treatment in Salt Lake City.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Your breathing stops and starts while you sleep, a significant sleep problem known as sleep apnea. If left untreated, it may result in loud snoring, excessive daytime fatigue, or more serious issues, including high blood pressure or heart difficulties. Speak with our sleep doctor in Salt Lake City at our sleep apnea clinic in Utah, to speak about your snoring.


Although most adults are unaware they have this type of sleep-disordered breathing, sleep apnea can increase your chance of developing several diseases and health issues (SDB). Over 180 million people are estimated to have mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and up to 75% of persons with severe SDB are still going undetected, according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM).


Apneas are "pauses" in breathing that can last up to 90 seconds or happen up to 100 times per hour, depriving the body of the oxygen it needs to renew cells. Some persons have both of the two types of sleep apnea, which are central sleep apnea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Types of Sleep Apnea

The most prevalent type of sleep apnea, known as OSA, is brought on by a physical obstruction of the airway. The blockage is caused by a large tongue or more soft tissue in the upper neck that has collapsed when the throat muscles relax while you sleep, even though the lung muscles are functioning normally.


The several types of sleep apnea include:

Mild OSA — 5 to 15 times per hour, 1 in 5 persons encounter breathing obstruction due to mild sleep apnea.

Moderate OSA – People with moderate sleep apnea experience somewhere between 15 and 30 episodes per hour.

Severe OSA: Severe sleep apnea affects one in fifteen Americans. Over 30 episodes per hour are common in people with severe OSA.

Diagnosis 

It might be challenging to recognize sleep apnea symptoms on your own, so it's crucial to have a witness who can alert you to potential symptoms. Having trouble sleeping due to these symptoms can result in a variety of additional health issues. Some medical disorders, such as high blood pressure, obesity, or ENT-related issues, may even make you more likely to develop sleep apnea. Come into our sleep center in Salt Lake City and speak to our experts.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Insomnia
  • Frequent nighttime urination 
  • Obesity and the incapacity to lose weight
  • Morning headaches or migraines
  • Waking up with a sore throat, cotton mouth, or a "choking" sensation
  • Memory loss and an inability to focus
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Depression, anxiety, or irritation
  • Slowed reaction time

What Causes Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is brought on by a variety of circumstances. The following are examples:


  • Family history 
  • A physical condition affecting your nose, throat, or other upper airway
  • Body weight
  • Medical/health issues
  • Age
  • Use of medications or alcohol

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, our doctor at our sleep apnea clinic in Salt Lake City, UT, will advise you to try our sleep apnea solutions based on how severe your disease is. You might only need to make lifestyle adjustments in mild cases. They might advise you to cure your nasal allergies, give up smoking, or lose weight (if you have any) or they may suggest a dental appliance for sleep apnea.


Your doctor will advise additional therapies if they don't help your symptoms or if you have a moderate to severe case of sleep apnea:

CPAP

A continuous stream of air is pumped into a sleeper's airway during CPAP therapy to prevent it from closing up. Because it is straightforward and well-researched, CPAP is regarded as the gold standard treatment for OSA. Even though it is most effective for those with moderate to severe OSA, mild individuals may benefit as well. You should use your CPAP machine for at least four hours every night, at least five evenings a week, for it to be effective.


You need to wear a mask with a strap that fits over your nose and/or mouth to use a CPAP machine. The mask is connected to the CPAP machine by a hose. Air from the room is drawn into the machine, filtered, and pressurized before being sent via the hose and into your airway.


The way that CPAP oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea works is by first establishing and then maintaining the fixed, consistent pressure required to keep your airway open while you breathe.

Your machine will be set at the pressure your doctor determines is ideal for you. Although most people find CPAP therapy to be useful and helpful, not everyone is a good candidate for it.

BiPAP

In contrast to CPAP, BiPAP sets a separate pressure for your inhalation and exhalation. BiPAP therapy is more complicated than CPAP therapy, and doctors typically do not suggest it as the primary course of treatment.


People who have trouble breathing out against the amount of pressure from a CPAP device may find a BiPAP dental appliance for sleep apnea to be beneficial because the air pressure is lower with a BiPAP device during exhalation.


What therapies you have already tried and how well they worked for you usually determine if BiPAP therapy is the correct choice for you, you can book an appointment to see us at our sleep apnea treatment centers to discuss these treatment options.

Oral devices

Oral appliances for sleep apnea are tools that mimic mouth guards that support the soft palate, jaw, and other airway structures to maintain airway stability. An oral appliance for snoring can be tailored in a way that enables you to address particular symptoms, such as snoring or breathing difficulties. While oral appliances are more popular and some people find them more pleasant than PAP therapy, PAP therapy is typically more successful overall. However, only people with mild to moderate sleep apnea are candidates for an oral appliance and book a consultation to receive sleep apnea treatment in Salt Lake City.

Lifestyle treatment

Exercise, a different sleeping position, and avoiding certain medications are just a few lifestyle modifications you might think about making to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea. Along with PAP therapy, these steps can be beneficial.


Regular exercise can help you lose weight, according to our doctor at our sleep disorder center. Reduced blood pressure, decreased daytime sleepiness, and lower risk of diabetes and heart disease are all benefits of losing extra weight.


Sleep on your side since doing so can lessen the effects of sleep apnea, according to research. It's advised to sleep on your side to assist in symptoms getting better.


Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can worsen sleep apnea by possibly causing weight gain, making you sleepier than usual, and aggravating airway obstruction.


Give up smoking: Smoking can make the airways irritated and swollen, which can make breathing difficult.


Steer clear of some medications: Some drugs may directly or indirectly make sleep apnea worse. If you have untreated sleep apnea, for instance, you ought to typically stay away from benzodiazepines. Before beginning or quitting any medications, be sure to consult your doctor.


To keep your health and sense of well-being in check, you must get enough good-quality sleep. A thorough sleep study can be set up by a medical provider who specializes in sleep medicine.


It won't be long before you feel less worn out. For sleep apnea and snoring treatment in Utah with your sleep apnea, get in touch with our sleep center right away.