Think You Might Have Sleep Apnea?
Do you find yourself feeling sleepy, fatigued, or irritable throughout the day? If you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms, you could be suffering from sleep apnea:
- Lack of energy
- Insomnia
- Excessive drowsiness
- Gasping for air during the night
- Impaired memory
- Heavy snoring
- Reduced libido
- Frequent urination at night
If left untreated, sleep apnea can have a detrimental impact on your physical and mental well-being.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms listed above, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Tiffany Brown by calling (503) 427-9587. If she detects signs of sleep apnea, she’ll refer you to a local sleep specialist so you can undergo a sleep test. This easy overnight assessment is the only way to find out for sure if you’re suffering from sleep apnea.
The results of your sleep test will be reviewed by a sleep physician. Once you receive a proper diagnosis, Dr. Brown will provide effective treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. CPAP is a useful treatment option, but many of our patients tell us they prefer an oral appliance. Unlike CPAP, an oral appliance is quiet, comfortable, and it doesn’t restrict your motion when you’re sleeping.
The Two Main Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of this sleep disorder. It occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax during sleep, allowing your tongue to fall back into the airway. This causes you to temporarily stop breathing. People with OSA endure several episodes each night, dramatically reducing the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common than obstructive sleep apnea. CSA occurs when your brain fails to signal your body to regulate your breathing. This often causes patients to wake up feeling short of breath and unable to fall back to sleep.
The symptoms of OSA and CSA are similar, but the treatment is very different. That’s why it’s so important to get the correct diagnosis.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea affects all types of patients, including men and women of all ages. But certain patients are more vulnerable to sleep apnea than others. For instance, men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, and the risk increases with age. Additional factors that magnify your chances of suffering from sleep apnea include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Drug and alcohol use
- Nasal congestion
If you fall into one of these high-risk groups, we recommend contacting our office right away by calling (503) 427-9587 to discuss your symptoms. Dr. Brown will make sure you get the right diagnosis and then she’ll find your best treatment option.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health
In addition to impairing the quality of sleep you’re getting, OSA also takes a toll on your physical and emotional health. By causing a severe reduction in your oxygen levels, it impacts your ability to function properly.
Sleep apnea weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to disease and infection. This leaves you more vulnerable to major health issues such as strokes, heart disease, and diabetes.
OSA has also been linked to mental disorders. It increases your risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Seeking immediate treatment will help safeguard your physical and mental health.
CPAP Isn’t for Everybody
If you’re noticing signs of sleep apnea, Dr. Brown and our professional team are here to help. She’ll listen to your concerns and design a treatment plan that works for you.
As far as treatment goes, CPAP is effective, but it’s not for everyone. To learn more about your treatment options, give us a call at (503) 427-9587. If you want, we’ll be happy to schedule you a free consultation with Dr. Brown. We have offices conveniently located to patients throughout the Portland area.
You can also fill out the easy contact form at the bottom of the page, and we’ll get right back to you.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Health FAQs
What are the common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?
Snoring is typically the first sign of sleep apnea, though not everyone who snores suffers from the sleep disorder. Other common symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime fatigue, irritability, shortness of breath, memory loss, frequent nighttime urination, and morning headaches.
What if I don't seek treatment for my sleep apnea?
Leaving your sleep apnea untreated can lead to various consequences that may be detrimental to your health. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes, hypertension, and depression.
It’s important to take a sleep test at the first sign of sleep apnea and seek treatment immediately to ensure a long, healthy life.