Encino Sleep Apnea Specialist | Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Sleep
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to a few minutes, and they can happen many times an hour. When you have sleep apnea, your body isn't getting enough oxygen, and your brain signals you to wake up just enough to start breathing again. This process can happen so fast that you don't even remember waking up, but it disrupts your sleep and prevents you from getting the deep, restful sleep you need.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
It can be difficult to know if you have sleep apnea because it happens while you're asleep. Often, a partner or family member is the first to notice the signs. Some common symptoms include:
Loud, chronic snoring: This is a key sign, especially if the snoring is followed by silent pauses and then a gasp or snort.
Excessive daytime sleepiness: You might feel tired all the time, no matter how long you sleep.
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat.
Morning headaches.
Trouble concentrating or remembering things.
Irritability and mood changes.
High blood pressure or other health problems.
If you experience these symptoms, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional.
Why is Treatment Important?
Untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences. It can increase your risk for a variety of conditions, including:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Accidents due to daytime sleepiness
The good news is that with the right diagnosis and treatment, these risks can be greatly reduced.
Finding a Sleep Apnea Specialist in Encino
A sleep apnea specialist is a doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. They can help you figure out if your symptoms are caused by sleep apnea and create a personalized treatment plan for you. In Encino, there are specialists who offer various treatment options to fit your needs and lifestyle.
Treatment Options
A sleep specialist will first conduct a sleep study, either in a lab or at home, to confirm a diagnosis and determine the severity of your sleep apnea. Based on the results, they might recommend one of the following treatments:
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): This is a very common and effective treatment. A machine delivers a gentle flow of air through a mask you wear while you sleep, which keeps your airway open.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A custom-made dental device, similar to a mouthguard, can be worn at night. It works by keeping your jaw and tongue in a position that prevents your airway from collapsing. This is a popular alternative for people who find CPAP machines uncomfortable.
Lifestyle Changes: For some people, especially those with mild sleep apnea, losing weight, avoiding alcohol, and changing sleeping positions can help.
Surgery: In some severe cases, or when other treatments haven't worked, a specialist might suggest a surgical procedure to address the physical cause of the obstruction.
Don't let sleep apnea control your life. A sleep apnea specialist in Encino can help you get the rest you deserve and improve your overall health.
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