What Is Sleep Apnea? What Patients in Woodridge, IL Need to Know
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the United States, affecting more than 30 million Americans — and most don’t know they have it. If you live in Woodridge, Naperville, Downers Grove, or the surrounding Chicagoland area and suspect you may have sleep apnea, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can happen hundreds of times a night, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute. Each time your breathing stops, your brain briefly wakes you up to resume breathing — often so briefly you don’t remember it.
The result is fragmented, non-restorative sleep that leaves you exhausted no matter how many hours you spend in bed.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability or mood changes
- Waking frequently to use the bathroom at night
Why Sleep Apnea Is Dangerous If Untreated
Untreated sleep apnea significantly raises your risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. It also increases your risk of accidents due to daytime drowsiness.
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
At Sleep Matters MD in Woodridge, IL, Dr. Puja Sethi diagnoses sleep apnea through a comprehensive sleep consultation followed by either a home sleep study or an in-lab sleep study. Home sleep studies are convenient, comfortable, and can be done in your own bed.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of your sleep apnea. Options include CPAP therapy, BiPAP therapy, oral appliances, Inspire therapy, and behavioral approaches. Dr. Sethi creates personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle.
Schedule a Sleep Consultation in Woodridge, IL
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait. Sleep Matters MD serves patients throughout Woodridge, Naperville, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, and the greater Chicagoland area. Contact us today at (630) 297-8282 or schedule online at sleepmattersmd.com.
