Struggling to get a good night’s sleep while in Bend? You’re not alone. Sleep apnea, a disruptive sleep disorder, is an increasingly common condition that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Living in Bend, you might have less access to medical equipment and care, which can make getting treatment a bit trickier. However, there are non-surgical and non-invasive solutions available to help you find the rest you’ve been missing.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea, also known as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, is a condition in which an individual’s breathing becomes disrupted during the night. These disturbances, known as apneas, can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute and a half. This is usually due to a collapse of the airway, often caused by the unnecessary, extra tissues attached to the back of your tongue, the sides and roof of your mouth.
When someone suffers from sleep apnea, the repetitive airway collapse can cause their blood oxygen levels to drop dangerously low. This can lead to significant health issues, such as hypertension, heart problems, diabetes, and reduced cognitive function. As a result, the individual is more likely to feel overly exhausted and fatigued throughout the day.
Symptoms and Complications
The symptoms of sleep apnea can be quite mild and often go unnoticed by the sufferer for quite some time. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- loud snoring,
- pauses in breathing during sleep,
- daytime sleepiness,
- waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and
- irritability.
That said, it’s important to recognize the risks and seek treatment. Sleep apnea can lead to many dangerous health complications if left untreated for too long. Common complications can include:
- early onset of heart attack and stroke,
- obesity,
- depression,
- diabetes,
- hyperactivity in children, and
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Treating Sleep Apnea
While there are some surgical options available for treating sleep apnea, many patients find that non-surgical solutions are the best way to go. A non-surgical treatment plan will typically start with lifestyle changes and behavioral therapy. For example, losing weight, exercising, and making diet changes can often help to reduce symptoms.
Additionally, some patients benefit from using special therapeutic devices. For example, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) can be used to adjust the position of your jaw in order to keep your airway open during sleep. Another option comes in the form of a third-party piece of equipment, an Automatic positive airway pressure machine (APAP) mask. This system delivers air pressure to your throat, keeping your airway open while you sleep.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Bend: Pacific Sleep Program
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea in Bend, then the Pacific Sleep Program may be able to help. This non-surgical sleep program consists of a team of sleep disorder specialists who can help you manage your symptoms in a way that works with your life in Bend.
The professionals at Pacific Sleep Program work with each patient to develop a personalized non-surgical treatment plan. This might involve a combination of lifestyle changes, therapeutic devices, and even educational resources to help manage symptoms. By implementing a non-surgical treatment plan for sleep apnea, you can achieve better rest and improved overall health.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a very common sleep-disorder and can have a big impact on your overall health. There are non-surgical solutions available for the treatment of this condition, such as lifestyle changes, therapeutic devices, and personalized treatment plans. If you’re struggling with sleep apnea in Bend, then the professionals at Pacific Sleep Program are dedicated to helping you achieve better rest without the need for surgery. So, say goodbye to restless nights in Bend and find a non-surgical solution for your sleep apnea today.
