Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects both adults and children
Sleep specialists at Aurora BayCare treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan so you can get a good night’s rest and enjoy your days.
If you are dealing with sleep apnea, you may find yourself waking abruptly and briefly many times a night. Your partner may have commented that at times it sounds like you momentarily stop breathing altogether.
During sleep, your airway passages may collapse, forcing you awake. These frequent pauses in breathing may occur many times during the night and disrupt normal sleep, depriving you of the rest and restoration your body needs.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring is a possible clue that you might suffer from sleep apnea. Other clues may include:
- Daytime drowsiness causing you to nod off in front of the TV, when reading, when passively waiting, or when driving
- Inability to focus
- Insomnia – an inability to remain asleep
- Irritability
- Pauses in your breathing during sleep, noted by your partner or another person
Longer-term symptoms of sleep apnea may include:
- Cardiac problems
- Driving accidents
- High blood pressure
- Impotence
- Stroke
Treatment is necessary to avoid heart problems and other complications. Aurora BayCare sleep specialists offer non-surgical treatment options for sleep apnea that may include lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, medication, or air-pressure assistance devices used during sleep. State-of-the-art surgical treatment options are available when non-surgical remedies do not work.
Sleep apnea manifests in a variety of forms. Contact your primary care physician for a referral. If it is determined that you do suffer from sleep apnea, Aurora BayCare can help treat and manage your ongoing care.