Have you been having problems sleeping for a while? Does your partner complain about your snoring and sometimes have to sleep in another room? If the answer is yes, it is time for a visit to the Florida Sleep Specialists. Dr. Jeremy McConnell has years of experience helping patients with sleep apnea in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

 This disorder comes from an interruption in breathing when you're sleeping. Because of your blocked airflow, you may have various issues that prevent you from achieving REM sleep/deep sleep status. You may keep waking up in the night, and you may be coughing when you do. Snoring is one of the top signs of sleep apnea, as the sounds produced come from air struggling to get out of blocked airways.

What Are the Drawbacks of This Condition?

 According to the Sleep Foundation, people should get 7 to 9 hours of restful sleep every night. If you don't get proper restful sleep, it can result in weight gain, inflammation, immunity problems, depression, and anxiety. You may also experience daytime fatigue because you can never fully achieve deep sleep, even though you may have collectively slept for seven or nine hours. 

A lack of quality sleep can also result in high blood pressure, which is a chronic disease many Americans suffer from for various reasons. High blood pressure puts additional stress on the heart, as it has to work harder for blood to flow to your veins and arteries. Some people also develop liver problems and even Type 2 diabetes.

How Can You Treat It?

 Treatment for sleep apnea in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL, may include breathing devices to use at night, such as a CPAP machine that keeps the airway open. Some people may need surgery to correct a deviated septum, the bone and cartilage structure that separates your two nostrils. A buildup of tissue or enlarged tonsils in the throat or large adenoids behind the nose may need removal. 

What Lifestyle Adjustments Help?

 During your consultation with Dr. McConnell, he will evaluate your overall health and try to identify the cause of your sleep problem. For many people, losing weight and quitting smoking can have a major effect. Nearly 50% of people with this disorder are overweight.

When you need help with sleep apnea in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL, a visit to Florida Sleep Specialists can help. Dr. McConnell is a compassionate doctor who works hard to help you sleep again. Call the Bradenton, FL, office at 941-792-8383 and the Sarasota, FL, office at 941-827-0701 to make an appointment today.