What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that causes the tongue to collapse back into the airway while you sleep, interfering with your ability to breathe freely throughout the night. OSA can leave you feeling tired and irritable during the day.
Patients with sleep apnea wake up every time their breathing is interrupted, but you probably won’t remember it the next day. This pattern can repeat itself hundreds of times during the course of a single night, preventing you from getting the restful sleep you need.
Testing for Sleep Apnea
A sleep test will determine if you have sleep apnea. This can be provided in a monitored setting such as a sleep center. But many of our patients prefer our convenient take-home WatchPAT test that’s used in the comfort of your own home.
Once your sleep test is complete, a sleep specialist will review the results, providing the correct diagnosis and your prescription for sleep apnea care.
Treatment Options
When a patient is diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAP is often the first treatment they receive. This machine pumps a continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask worn over your face to keep your airway open throughout the night.
Though CPAP is effective when worn properly, many patients find it unpleasant to use. In fact, it’s very common for patients to completely stop using CPAP. The most frequent complaints are that it’s uncomfortable to wear and the motor makes too much noise.
For patients who are struggling with CPAP, we can customize an oral appliance to relieve your snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. This small device gently repositions the lower jaw to keep your airway open, allowing you to breathe freely overnight.
In addition to providing an effective sleep appliance, Dr. Bayless may also recommend some moderate changes to your lifestyle. This typically involves steps such as altering your diet and getting more exercise. We can also provide tips on how to avoid sleeping on your back, which is the position where sleep apnea most commonly occurs.
Visit Dr. Bayless for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Without the right treatment, sleep apnea can seriously impact your health. If you’re a heavy snorer who often feels tired and listless during the day, Dr. Bayless can help. He has extensive training in caring for patients with sleep apnea.
Call Summer Hill Dental & Snoring Solutions at (830) 632-2112 to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Bayless. Or you can fill out the convenient appointment form at the bottom of the page and one of our friendly team members will get right back to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get sleep apnea?
Anyone can suffer from sleep apnea, regardless of body weight. It occurs in all age groups and genders, but it’s most commonly found in older men.
I think I suffer from sleep apnea. What should I do?
If you think you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s important to take a sleep test to get a proper diagnosis for your condition. Give us a call at (830) 632-2112 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Bayless to discuss your options.
What is a sleep study?
A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, is when an individual is monitored by a specialist overnight to determine whether they suffer from a sleep disorder. It’s typically conducted in a special lab, but can also be done in the comfort of your own home.
What if I don't treat my sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences, such as high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, depression, and more. It’s important to seek treatment immediately to ensure a healthy, happy, and long life.