Did you know that your snoring could indicate a sleep disorder? At Florida Sleep Specialists in Bradenton and Sarasota, Dr. Jeremy McConnell diagnoses a variety of sleep problems, including one of the most common: sleep apnea. Learn more how it could affect your systemic health and well-being.
Your snoring could peel paint
We've all heard, or been the object of, jokes about loud snoring. But, in reality, snoring isn't funny at all. It seriously impacts systemic health, daily functioning and interpersonal relationships. Over time, it may worsen, being accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Gasping and choking
- Breathing pauses (apnea)
- Daytime tiredness
- Headaches, particular in the morning
- Poor concentration
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Decreased libido, menstrual problems and erectile dysfunction
- Nocturia, or waking at night to go to the bathroom
- Increased blood pressure and blood sugars
These symptoms and more characterize sleep apnea. Factors such as neck circumference, age (over 40), gender (male), and obesity are risk factors, reports the National Sleep Foundation. While it has widespread systemic health effects, sleep apnea can be treated successfully, and your sleep doctor in Bradenton, Dr. Jeremy McConnell, helps scores of people.
Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea
A review of your symptoms and a fully-monitored sleep study at Florida Sleep Specialists will pinpoint the reasons behind your snoring. Frequently, Dr. McConnell discovers one of three kinds of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, in which the tissues at the back of the throat relax and cover the airway as the person sleeps (and snores)
- Central Sleep Apnea, or CSA, in which the brain and respiratory system do not communicate with each other properly
- Mixed Sleep Apnea, characterized by features of both OSA and CSA
With a definitive diagnosis, he can tailor a treatment plan perfect for your lifestyle and sleep patterns.
Common treatments include:
- Oral appliance therapy, a customized acrylic appliance, worn at night, which re-positions the lower jaw and opens the airway
- CPAP machines, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, which air through a facial mask worn through out the night (the stream of air keeps the throat open)
- Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, keeping the same bedtime every night, avoiding caffeine. alcohol, bright light and heavy meals late in the evening
Find out more about sleep apnea
At Florida Sleep Specialists, our sleep experts can help you have refreshing sleep consistently and also enjoy a healthier, happier and more productive life. Call our office team for a consultation with Dr. Jeremy McConnell: (941) 792-8383.