If you are exhausted all the time and wake up that way, it might be time to consider that you may have sleep apnea. Dr. Jesse Tan, Dr. Jesus Tan, and Dr. Rose Eapen of Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA can help you with treatments that will allow you to prevent the symptoms of sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes breathing to stop and restart many times during a typical night. It may cause the body to be deprived of an adequate amount of oxygen, which makes it very serious. It has been linked to serious health issues. Two types of sleep apnea are possible:

Obstructive sleep apnea is when the airway becomes partially or totally blocked frequently while you are sleeping. 

Central sleep apnea is less common. In this type of apnea, the brain does not tell the body to breathe. 

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is often a result of obesity. This combined with aging, smoking, drinking, hormone changes, use of opioid pain relievers, and a family history of sleep apnea can make it very likely you will be a sufferer. 

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

You may not even know that you have sleep apnea. If you have a partner who tells you that your snoring sounds like a freight train and that you gasp in your sleep, this may be an indication that you have sleep apnea. If you think you sleep all night but wake up tired, this may be an indication that you are not sleeping quite as well as you think. Waking up frequently to urinate and having a dry mouth may be a symptom of sleep apnea. 

Preventing Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

There isn't much you can do about a hereditary propensity for sleep apnea and aging is a natural process. But, you can make sure that you eat a healthy diet, get your weight to a healthy level, increase your physical activity, and reduce or quit using tobacco and alcohol. Our doctor may also suggest that you sleep on your side, which keeps your airways open. If all of these measures do not prevent your sleep apnea symptoms, there are other treatments our doctor may suggest.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

You may need to undergo a sleep study to make sure that you really have sleep apnea. A CPAP machine may be recommended. Other options include oral devices, exercises, and surgery.

For help with sleep apnea, contact Dr. Jesse Tan, Dr. Jesus Tan, and Dr. Eapen of the Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA at (562) 988-8818 or reach out through our website.