Do you require sleep apnea services in Geelong? Have you ever encountered obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea, and are wondering what those are?
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which breathing is irregular, frequently stopping and starting. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring when trying to sleep
- Episodes in which a patient stops breathing during their sleep
- Sleep affected by insomnia, etc.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can be potentially life threatening, affecting more than just one’s capacity to sleep or whether or not they are snoring. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a higher risk of severe health conditions such as;
- High blood pressure/hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Poor memory and lack of concentration
- Headaches
- Moodiness, depression and personality change
- Lack of interest in sex, and impotence in men
Don’t forget that a lack of sleep (whether due to apnea or other causes) also significantly impairs one’s judgement and motor skills. Many workplace accidents occur simply because those responsible are not getting enough sleep .
How do you treat sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is treated in different ways, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Mild sleep apnea
Treating mild sleep apnea usually involves a combination of methods, including:
- Having you sleep on your side with the aid of special pillow or rubber wedges to help you with apnea symptoms such as snoring
- Losing weight, as being overweight can affect sleep and exacerbate apnea symptoms
- Decreasing alcohol consumption, particularly at night before you sleep, as alcohol can also result in apnea symptoms
- Avoiding sleeping tablets (which can exacerbate sleep apnea)
- Quitting smoking, as smoking plays a large part in exacerbating apnea symptoms such as snoring
- Using nasal decongestant spray in the event that nasal congestion due to apnea is affecting your sleep
Moderate to severe sleep apnea
If your sleep apnea is moderate-to-severe, your sleep doctor may employ more advanced methods of treatment, such as;
- an oral appliance fitted by your dentist, such as special mouthguards or splints to wear while you sleep, treating your apnea
- a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) pump, which feeds pressurised air into a face mask to keep your throat open while you sleep, preventing apnea
- another option for sleep apnea treatment is surgery
What is CPAP treatment and how does it work?
CPAP therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers constant and steady air pressure via a mask connected to a hose to a patient while they sleep . This is to help the patient breath consistently as they sleep without being afflicted by apnea symptoms.
The continuous stream of pressurised air that a CPAP machine delivers to the patient as they sleep pushes against any blockages in their airways stemmed from apnea , ensuring that the lungs have a consistent flow of oxygen. Because the patient’s breathing is no longer interrupted as they sleep due to apnea , they can sleep soundly.
Does Manse Medical Geelong provide treatment for sleep apnea?
Manse Medical provides Level 2 Home Sleep Test Studies, in which the patient is monitored in their home as they sleep for signs of disorders such as apnea , measuring their EEG, EOG, EMG, leg movements, effort of breathing, nasal airflow, snoring, ECG and oxygen levels.
If you require Level 1 Sleep Studies, in which you stay overnight in a sleep centre or hospital to be monitored for potential apnea , we can refer you to our Epworth branch. However, if you are uninsured and you are seeking sleep studies to find out whether you are afflicted by apnea , we recommend that you attend our Ballarat clinic.
How can I get in contact with Manse Medical’s Geelong Sleep and Respiratory Centre?
If you are looking for effective treatment for sleep apnea, book your appointment online by selecting your preferred sleep clinic and choose from the list of our available sleep specialists.
