Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the muscles in the throat relax excessively.

Causes:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea caused by muscle relaxation: Relaxation of the muscles in the throat and tongue, leading to airway obstruction.
  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Involves a failure of the brain to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.
  • Mixed Sleep Apnea: A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
A man sleeping in bed with an oxygen mask on.

Symptoms:

  • Loud Snoring: Often accompanied by periods of silence followed by choking or gasping sounds.
  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Due to disrupted sleep and inadequate oxygen levels.
  • Morning Headaches: Resulting from oxygen deprivation during the night.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: Impaired cognitive function due to poor sleep quality.
  • Irritability: Mood changes due to lack of restful sleep.

Treatment at Sleep Matters MD:

Our approach to addressing sleep apnea at Sleep Matters MD involves a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity and causes of the condition:

  • Diagnostic Sleep Study: A thorough sleep study at home or in the lab to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other relevant factors.
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): The most common and effective treatment, CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose or nose and mouth to deliver a continuous stream of air, preventing airway collapse.
  • Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): For those who find CPAP challenging, BiPAP adjusts air pressure levels during inhalation and exhalation.
  • Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted devices to reposition the jaw and tongue, keeping the airway open during sleep.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, positional therapy, and other lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors.
  • Surgical Interventions: In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered to address anatomical issues.
  • Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV): An advanced therapy option that adjusts airflow based on individual breathing patterns.

Regular follow-up appointments ensure the effectiveness of the chosen treatment plan, with adjustments made as needed. Our team at Sleep Matters MD is committed to providing ongoing support to manage sleep apnea effectively and enhance overall well-being.

If you suspect sleep apnea is affecting your sleep or overall health, schedule a consultation with Sleep Matters MD. Our specialists are here to provide personalized and comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.  

Why Choose Sleep Matters MD?

Expert Guidance: At Sleep Matters MD, our team of seasoned professionals is committed to guiding you through the journey to optimal sleep health. Trust in their expertise as they provide personalized solutions for your unique sleep concerns.

Comprehensive Care: We go beyond assessments and treatments, offering comprehensive care tailored to your specific sleep challenges. Our approach involves understanding the intricacies of your sleep patterns, addressing underlying issues, and crafting individualized treatment plans to ensure long-term improvements in sleep quality.

A man laying in bed with his head on the pillow.

Personalized Attention: Benefit from personalized attention, acknowledging that each individual’s sleep needs are different. Our team tailors interventions to address your specific challenges and promote a noticeable improvement in your sleep quality.

Flexible Testing Options: Choose between the convenience of home sleep testing and the comprehensive monitoring of in-lab testing. Our flexible testing options cater to your preferences, ensuring accurate diagnoses in a manner that suits your lifestyle.

Telemedicine Consultations: Experience the convenience of sleep consultations and follow-ups through telemedicine. We understand the importance of accessibility, allowing you to connect with our specialists virtually for personalized guidance from the comfort of your own space.

Coordinated Services: Our center offers a wide range of coordinated services by a close-knit, diverse health care team. Enjoy the benefits of a collaborative approach to your sleep care, ensuring comprehensive support and expertise.

Understanding Sleep Challenges: Our health care providers understand the challenges patients with sleep difficulties experience and are eager to help them achieve improved sleep and overall health. Feel confident in our team’s empathy and commitment to assisting you on your journey to better sleep.

Diverse Services for Insomnia: For Insomnia patients, we offer personalized, non-medication-based Behavioral Sleep Medicine services for all age groups (6 months and up), including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Tailored interventions ensure effective and sustainable improvements.

State-of-the-Art Sleep Study Facility: Our associations with Advocate, Advent Health, and Midwest Center for Sleep Disorders Labs provide access to state-of-the-art sleep study facilities. Experience advanced testing equipment, comfortable bedrooms, and bathrooms for accurate diagnoses.

Specialized Medical Management: Benefit from medical management of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy for sleep apnea (AutoPAP, CPAP, BiPAP, and ASV), including in-person assistance with CPAP mask fitting and equipment provided by Sleep Technologists through DME companies.

Comprehensive Referral Network: Access a comprehensive referral network, including Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialists, Registered Sleep Technologists for CPAP intolerance and claustrophobia, ENT Physicians for surgical options (including Inspire), specialized dentists certified in Dental Sleep Medicine for oral appliance treatment, and consultation for medically supervised weight loss with Obesity Medicine Specialists. Choose Sleep Matters MD for unparalleled expertise, personalized care, and a comprehensive approach to addressing your sleep health needs.

We’ll Help You Sleep Better. At Night. Every Night. Without Drugs.

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