You probably know that women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, but have you ever wondered why?
Perhaps you can’t take one more night of your partner raising the roof with their deafening snores. Or maybe you’re feeling like you didn’t get one bit of rest last night. Have you forgotten what it even feels like to be well-rested?
These are just a couple of the signs of sleep apnea, a malady that’s not just inconvenient, but downright dangerous.
Our team at Medical Alliance of Southern New Jersey has the experience and expertise to quickly diagnose and treat sleep apnea, if it turns out that you have it.
With an emphasis on care that’s personalized, a diverse menu of services offered under one roof, and a remarkable near-century of combined experience, Medical Alliance of Southern New Jersey is the choice for sufferers of sleep apnea, and many other conditions.
Many things can get in the way of a good night’s sleep, from that too-spicy burrito to tomorrow’s overflowing “to do” list. The difference is when you rarely feel sufficiently rested, whether it’s because of your own or your partner’s suspected sleep apnea.
Technically, obstructive sleep apnea — the most common type — is defined as micro-periods when you stop breathing as you sleep. To be considered sleep apnea, breathing lapse events must last for at least 10 seconds each and occur five times per hour or more.
Your hourly “breathing break” rate determines your condition’s severity. A serious condition can result in 30-plus instances where you inadvertently stop breathing.
The most frequently diagnosed form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, happens when soft tissue, such as the tongue, creates an obstruction in your airway as you’re prone and sleeping.
Central sleep apnea is far rarer and usually associated with another serious illness. This type is caused by a misfire in your brain: It fails to send a signal for you to breathe, even though your airway is clear.
There are numerous health problems you’re at greater risk for if you suffer from sleep apnea, including:
And even though simply “being tired” doesn’t sound serious, the exhaustion caused by sleep apnea can lead to negative outcomes, some serious: irritability, trouble paying attention, loss of productivity at work, and impaired driving.
Although surgical options exist for treating sleep apnea, clinicians rarely resort to them. Mostly, there are things you can do to improve your symptoms, like:
With a CPAP machine, the mask placed over your nose and mouth is connected to a device that supplies you with a steady stream of air through your nose, which regulates breathing. Despite its odd appearance, the CPAP machine is comfortable and the key to a good night’s sleep.
The best treatment for sleep apnea is a combo of healthy lifestyle practices and the use of a CPAP machine.
Each of our Medical Alliance of Southern New Jersey team members is invested in restoring your quality of sleep and overall health. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, the solutions may be simple.
Our experienced and compassionate physicians create a treatment plan tailored to you and they value long-term relationships. We’re not going anywhere. Explore why you may not be getting the highest quality rest by calling our Vineland, New Jersey, office or request an appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
You probably know that women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, but have you ever wondered why?
Do you wheeze and cough when someone lights up a cigarette? Do cold or smoggy days make it hard to catch your breath? You may have adult-onset asthma — and it’s no child’s play. Find out how asthma differs in children and adults.
What does it mean when a mole is branded “suspicious?” Learn what types of changes may indicate that your mole might be morphing into melanoma territory and what your medical options are.
As we age, we all lose bone density. Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk for developing weak, brittle bones because of a lack of estrogen. Learn how to prevent broken bones osteoporosis can cause with a bone density test.
Springtime: so beautiful and so … ah ah ahCHOO! … pollen-filled. If you have springtime allergies that can trigger your asthma, here are five tips to help keep your symptoms under control.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a condition that involves a number of diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The condition comes with a number of symptoms. Read on to learn what they are.