Sleep apnea is an increasingly common sleep disorder that affects millions of people around the world, including many residents of Bullard. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most frequent type of the disorder, and can lead to a range of health problems if left untreated. Without proper treatment, this serious condition can create an array of adverse effects on physical and psychological wellbeing, impacting an individual’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are various custom sleep apnea therapies available that can help Bullard residents benefit from better sleep, improved health, and improved wellbeing.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted briefly during the night as a result of the airway becoming blocked. These intermittent episodes of oxygen deprivation can last from a few seconds to almost a minute and a half, and in severe cases can occur as many as 60 times per hour. Common OSA symptoms include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty staying asleep, and difficulty focusing or thinking throughout the day. Other symptoms include chronic dry mouth, sore throat, or nocturia (that is, waking up frequently to urinate during the night).
The physical cause of OSA is a relaxant muscles of the upper airway that obstructs the flow of air. This type of sleep disorder can be caused by a variety of factors including being overweight, having large tonsils or other enlarged airway structures, nasal congestion, and specific anatomical features of the face and jaw.
The Impacts of OSA on the Bullard Community
OSA can be associated with serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia, and diabetes. As such, it is important to consider how OSA can affect the health of Bullard residents. Several studies have linked moderate to severe OSA to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic heart failure, arterial hypertension, glucose metabolism abnormalities, obesity-related metabolic syndrome, acid reflux, and more.
Having OSA can also cause a range of psychological problems due to the daytime sleepiness it can cause and other sleep disruptions. These psychological issues can include lower productivity, irritability, impaired concentration and memory, anxiety, depression, and even an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to being too tired to pay attention while driving.
Options for Treatment of OSA
Fortunately, there are many lifestyle changes that Bullard residents can make to help manage and treat OSA, including sleeping on the side instead of the back , losing weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes.
Bullard residents with OSA may also want to consider a number of custom sleep apnea therapies to help treat their disorder. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for OSA and involves the use of a machine connected to a breathing mask worn at night. CPAP works by blowing a steady stream of air into the airway to keep it open during sleep. Other therapies that can be customized for each individual’s unique needs include hypoglossal and phrenic nerve stimulators, and custom-made oral appliances like Mandibular Advancements Splints (MAS).
Benefits of Custom Sleep Apnea Therapies
Custom sleep apnea therapies can offer a range of benefits to Bullard residents with OSA, including improved sleep, improved physical health, and improved psychological wellbeing. Studies have shown that CPAP therapy can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve work performance and quality of life, and reduce the risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue. Hypoglossal and phrenic nerve stimulators can reduce apneas and hypopneas per hour, while Mandibular Advancements Splints can improve adherence to treatment and provide clinicians with additional treatment options.
In summary, custom sleep apnea therapies can provide Bullard residents with an improved quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of OSA, it is important to speak to a qualified healthcare professional who can help diagnose and manage the disorder in order to prevent further health complications and help improve overall wellbeing.