What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a temporary pause in breathing as you are sleeping. It can occur anywhere from a few times to a few hundred times in a night. Because of this, you may snore loudly or make choking noises in your sleep. Pnea is greek for breath. So APnea is literally to stop breathing! With each apnea, the brain wakes up for a half second. Sleep is ineffective, and the brain does not get a full battery charge.

According to our experts at Coryell Memorial Healthcare System, sleep apnea can have a severe impact on your physical and emotional health if you don’t seek treatment. Below, we discuss everything you need to know about sleep apnea.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

In addition to loud snoring and choking noises, other symptoms include extreme daytime fatigue and waking up with a sore throat. Frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the night and feelings of insomnia are also common for those with sleep apnea. Uncontrolled hypertension, weight gain, and worsened diabetes can occur.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

If you suffer from a moderate to severe sleep-related breathing disorder, your doctor may recommend a variety of treatment options. The most common choice is the CPAP device, a machine attached to a mask that covers your nose and/or mouth to help keep your breathing passages open as you sleep. Other options include dental devices or even surgery to help increase the size of your airway. If you display any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to see our specialist as soon as possible to determine the best method of treatment.

Where Should I Seek Treatment?

Coryell Memorial Sleep Center Medical Director James Barker, MD, CPE, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, sees patients for all kinds of sleep problems, including snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, hypersomnia, and teeth grinding.  Testing is provided at the-state-of-the-art Sleep Center, which is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Often, a referral is needed from your primary care provider. To schedule an appointment at Coryell Medical Clinic, contact us today by calling (254) 865-2166.

Serving residents throughout Gatesville, TX, we provide a broad range of medical care specialties, including physical therapy, home health care, surgery, and orthopedics. You can also visit their website for more information about their various departments and services.