Discover the best ways to manage this chronic sleep disorder for the long term.

It’s no doubt that we have a sleep epidemic in the US. After all, we certainly don’t get enough hours most nights and there are other factors that can also cause us to experience a poor night’s sleep. Of course, if you are someone who is a chronic or loud snorer then your symptoms and poor sleep could be the result of sleep apnea. If this sounds like you, it might be time to see our Columbia, SC sleep doctor Dr. Richard Bogan.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Along with loud and persistent snoring, there are other symptoms that those with sleep apnea may face. You may have sleep apnea if you are experiencing:

  • A sore throat in the morning
  • Extreme daytime exhaustion
  • Lack of energy throughout the day
  • Restless sleep
  • An increase in anxiety, depression or irritability
  • Trouble concentration or forgetfulness

While not all loud snorers are sleep apnea sufferers, the majority of those with sleep apnea deal with persistent and intense snoring. You may not even realize it but perhaps your partner complains of your loud snoring every night. If you suspect that you might have sleep apnea the sooner you seek treatment the better, as untreated sleep apnea has been linked to long-term and serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack and diabetes.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Sleep apnea, just like most sleep disorders, will require specific treatment from a qualified professional. That’s why it’s so important to visit a sleep specialist in Columbia, SC, if you suspect that you might be dealing with sleep apnea.

The most common treatment option for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, in which the patient wears a mask over the nose and/or mouth. The mask is attached to a machine that applies just the proper amount of pressure to keep the airways open while you are sleeping. This therapy is only worn while sleeping and it’s one of the most effective methods for treating sleep apnea.

Some patients dealing only with mild sleep apnea symptoms may be able to improve the quality of their sleep with a simple oral appliance. This custom-made device covers the upper and lower teeth and prevents the tissue in the back of the throat from collapsing while you are sleeping.

Along with these two treatment options, there are also lifestyle changes that you can follow to reduce your symptoms such as:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding alcohol, caffeine or stimulants
  • Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight

Are you experiencing warning signs of sleep apnea? If so, the sooner you seek a consultation the better. Here at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, our top priority is to improve the quality of your sleep. Your health depends on it!