If you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea or any other sleep problems, the experts at Bogan Sleep Consultants, your sleep doctor in Columbia, SC, can help you determine the cause and develop a treatment plan to help you get the sleep you need.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when your airways are blocked while you’re sleeping. It typically occurs when your throat narrows due to the muscles relaxing. It can also occur in people who are overweight, have certain health issues, or have swollen tonsils.
When your airways are blocked, your body has to work harder to pull in air, causing you to awaken briefly with a jerk or snort. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea wake up several times throughout the night, but typically have no memory of it.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Since most people don’t realize they’re waking up so much, it can make it difficult to know there’s an issue. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of the condition so that you can seek help. These include symptoms such as:
- Snoring is usually enough to disturb others
- Waking up with headaches constantly
- Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Chronic fatigue or sleepiness during the day is often extreme enough that you could fall asleep at work or school
- Restless sleep
- Sweating while you sleep
- Having difficulty getting out of bed in the mornings
- Having a difficult time focusing or remembering things
- Low sex drive
- High blood pressure
- GERD
- Waking up choking or gasping for air
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a sleep doctor at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC as soon as possible. Through a thorough examination and, when necessary, a sleep study, they can determine if you do have obstructive sleep apnea. They’ll then work with you to find the best course of treatment that might include specific lifestyle changes, medications, oral devices, a CPAP machine, and more, depending on your specific needs.
Don’t miss another good night’s sleep. Schedule your appointment with Bogan Sleep Consultants, your sleep doctor in Columbia, SC, by calling (803) 251-3093 today.