How Sleep Apnea Affects Overall Health and Well-Being

Have you been told you snore? Do you wake up with a scratchy throat? If so, you could have sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder affecting your overall health and well-being. Drs. Jesse Tan, Jesus Tan, and Rose Eapen at Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA, provide comprehensive ENT services, including diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.

How Sleep Apnea Affects You

Sleep apnea is caused by the tissue at the back of your throat intermittently relaxing and collapsing at night. The tissue can partially or completely block your airway, preventing adequate oxygen from reaching your vital organs, including your brain and heart.

The lack of oxygen can have a dramatic effect on your health. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of:

• Having a stroke
• Becoming diabetic
• Suffering a heart attack
• Developing memory problems

The most noticeable sign of sleep apnea is frequent, loud snoring. Other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Suddenly waking with a gasping or choking feeling
• Feeling groggy or sleepy during the day
• Waking with a sore throat and headache most mornings

If you notice any signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to visit your ENT specialist. You may need to complete a sleep study to confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Sleep studies may be completed in a sleep lab at home or both. If you have sleep apnea, your ENT specialist may recommend one of these treatment options:

A CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine is a device connected to tubing with a mask that fits over your mouth and nose. The device provides a steady stream of oxygen that you breathe during the night.

An oral mandibular advancement appliance is a tiny dental appliance you wear. The appliance holds your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open at night.

Want To Know More About Sleep Apnea?

Talk with the experts to discover more about how sleep apnea affects overall health and well-being. Call Drs. Jesse Tan, Jesus Tan, and Rose Eapen at Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (562) 988-8818, so call today.