How Do You Treat Sleep Apnea?

How Do You Treat Sleep Apnea?

You might have sleep apnea if you feel unrested or worn out after a full night’s sleep. Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder associated with brief pauses in breathing throughout the night, which makes it difficult to achieve restful sleep. Snoring is also a symptom of sleep apnea. Dr. Jesse Tan, Dr. Jesus Tan, and Dr. Rose Eapen, the experienced otolaryngologists at Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA, treat sleep apnea and snoring so you sleep better.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

One of the key symptoms of sleep apnea is brief pauses in breathing while sleeping. Breathing is interrupted when the airway is temporarily blocked, due to collapsed tissues in the throat or the tongue rolling back in the way. Collapsed throat tissues can also result in snoring, which is another common symptom of sleep apnea.

Individuals with sleep apnea might not even realize they have the condition. Several symptoms can develop in association with sleep apnea. If you are experiencing any of them, it could be an indication that you might have this sleep disorder. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Insomnia
  • Pauses in breathing while sleeping
  • Feeling unrested or worn out upon waking
  • Choking or gasping sounds while sleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
  • Feeling fatigued or sleepy throughout the day
  • Feeling irritable during the day
  • Headaches after waking

There are some factors that can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. Risk factors include being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, being middle-aged and having a family history of the sleep disorder. Additionally, men tend to be at higher risk than women for developing sleep apnea.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

There are several ways to treat sleep apnea at our Long Beach, CA, head and neck center. Our skilled ear, nose, and throat specialists can recommend a specific treatment approach tailored to your needs and preferences. Sleep apnea and snoring treatments include:

Oral Appliance Therapy: A small oral device similar to a retainer or mouthguard is worn while sleeping. The device helps position the lower jaw forward, which keeps the airway open and prevents snoring and pauses in breathing.

CPAP Treatment: CPAP means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This method utilizes a special sleep mask and machine to deliver constant air pressure throughout the night so the airway remains open.

Surgery: Several inpatient and outpatient surgical options are available for treating sleep apnea or snoring. Types of surgery include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery, thermal ablation, and a procedure known as genioglossus and hyoid advancement.

Several methods are available for treating sleep apnea and snoring. Our knowledgeable otolaryngology team can develop an individualized treatment approach for you. For the treatment of sleep apnea in Long Beach, CA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jesse Tan, Dr. Jesus Tan, or Dr. Eapen by calling Tan Head and Neck Center at (562) 988-8818.