Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more common than we know!

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more common than we know!

Most people with sleep apnea have obstructive apnea “OSA”, in which the person stops breathing during sleep due to airway blockage. Breathing is resumed within a few seconds, but periods of as long as sixty seconds are not uncommon in serious cases.

OSA is more common amongst people who snore, who are obese, who consume alcohol, or who have anatomical abnormalities of the jaw or soft palate. However, atypical cases do occur, and the condition should not be ruled out unilaterally merely because the patient does not fit the profile.

“OSA” is caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the airway during sleep. Whilst the vast majority of people successfully maintain an open upper airway and breathe normally during sleep, a significant number of individuals are prone to severe narrowing or occlusion of the pharynx, such that breathing is impeded or even completely obstructed. As the brain senses a build-up of carbon dioxide, airway muscles are activated which open the airway, allowing breathing to resume but interrupting deep sleep.

The prognosis is that sleep apnea left untreated can be life threatening. Excessive daytime sleepiness can cause people to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving. Sleep apnea appears to put individuals at risk for stroke. Successful treatment can also reduce the risk of heart and blood pressure problems.
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of OSA, it may be time to have a sleep study to make sure that everything is okay.

THE DREAM TEAM at Advanced Sleep Therapy consists of a team of Respiratory Practitioners, as well as an RN Nurse Clinician who will assist you in starting out with the proper CPAP treatment equipment right in the comfort of your home and then provide ongoing monitoring to your Doctor.

Advanced Sleep Therapy located in Arlington Heights has been serving Chicagoland for over fourteen years. Their knowledge and experience in CPAP machines, CPAP humidifiers, CPAP masks, CPAP headgear and all cleaning and CPAP accessories is outstanding, which is what makes them JCAHO Gold Seal Certified providers.

Don’t have insurance? No worries, you can always order online from our sister company Breathe Easy CPAP. Breathe Easy CPAP is proud to offer a complete line of CPAP machines, CPAP humidifiers, CPAP masks, CPAP headgear and all cleaning and CPAP accessories.