Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
in Sacramento, CA

Are You Battling Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Do you find yourself dragging through each day, your mind foggy, and your temper short? Do you wake up feeling like you’ve barely slept, despite spending hours in bed? These aren’t just signs of a busy life – they could be red flags for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

To accurately diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep study is often required to monitor your breathing patterns during sleep, along with an evaluation of your medical history and symptoms.

If you suspect you’re grappling with obstructive sleep apnea, or if you’re unsure whether your sleep troubles stem from a disorder, it’s time to take action. Reach out to Sacramento, CA, sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Scott Grivas at Sac Sleep & Breathing. Schedule your sleep apnea evaluation by calling our Northern Sacramento Valley sleep center (916) 735-4060 today.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is more than just a fancy term for snoring. It’s a sleep disorder that can significantly impact your health and quality of life. OSA occurs when your upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing patterns and fragmented rest. While mild obstructive sleep apnea might seem manageable, moderate obstructive sleep apnea and severe obstructive sleep apnea can have serious health consequences. That’s why getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management.

The Hidden Toll on Your Health

Ignoring OSA isn’t just about losing sleep – it’s about risking your health. Some of the most concerning risks include:

• Elevated risk of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Cognitive decline
• Increased likelihood of accidents due to daytime drowsiness

Recognizing the Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA symptoms can manifest differently during the night and day. Here’s what to watch for:

Nighttime Red Flags

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds
• Noticeable pauses in breathing
• Restless sleep with frequent movement
• Waking up feeling unrefreshed, despite a full night’s sleep

These symptoms don’t just affect you – they can disturb your partner’s rest too. If you or your bed partner notice these signs, particularly when trying to sleep, it’s time to seek professional help.

Daytime Warning Signs

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches that won’t quit
• Irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty focusing or remembering things
• Feelings of depression

These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, affecting everything from your work performance to your personal relationships.

Causes of OSA

Obstructive sleep apnea doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all cause. Several factors can contribute:

• Excess weight, especially around the neck
• Age (though it can affect anyone, including children)
• Gender (men are at higher risk, but women’s risk increases post-menopause)
• Family history
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Nasal congestion or structural issues
• Certain medical conditions, like hypothyroidism or PCOS

Diagnosing Your Sleep Disorder

Initial Consultation

When you visit Dr. Scott Grivas at Sac Sleep & Breathing, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation:

• Detailed review of your medical history
• Physical examination of your throat, neck, and mouth
• Discussion about your symptoms and sleep patterns
  

Based on this initial assessment, Dr. Grivas may recommend a sleep study for a definitive diagnosis.

Sleep Studies: Your Window to Better Rest

Sleep studies, conducted either in a lab or at home with a portable monitor, are the gold standard for diagnosing OSA. These studies track various factors during your sleep, including:

• Breathing patterns
• Body movements
• Heart rate
• Sleep stages

Sleep studies are essential for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition that significantly impacts your health and quality of life.

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, you’ll return to Sac Sleep & Breathing in Sacramento to discuss your personalized treatment plan.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Preparing for your appointment with a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure you receive the best possible care for your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Here are some steps you can take to make the most of your visit:

1. Keep a Sleep Diary: Track your sleep patterns for at least a week before your appointment. Note the time you go to bed, the time you wake up, and any symptoms you experience during the night, such as snoring, gasping, or frequent awakenings.
2. Write Down Your Symptoms: Make a detailed list of your symptoms, including any daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. This information will help your healthcare provider understand the severity of your condition.
3. Gather Medical History: Collect any relevant medical records, including previous sleep studies or medical tests. This background information can provide valuable insights into your health and help in diagnosing your sleep disorder.
4. Ask Questions: Prepare a list of questions or concerns you have about OSA or the available treatment options. This ensures you leave the appointment with a clear understanding of your condition and the next steps.
5. Bring a Family Member or Friend: Having someone accompany you can be beneficial. They can help you remember important information and provide additional insight into your symptoms, especially if they have observed your sleep patterns.

By taking these steps, you can ensure a comprehensive evaluation and set the stage for effective treatment of your obstructive sleep apnea.

Your Path to Better Sleep: OSA Treatment Options

Lifestyle Adjustments

Sometimes, simple changes can make a big difference:

• Shedding extra pounds
• Cutting back on alcohol and sedatives
• Establishing a consistent sleep routine

CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is highly effective for moderate to severe OSA. It uses a machine to deliver pressurized air, keeping your airway open throughout the night. For patients who find CPAP uncomfortable or have more complex obstructive sleep apnea conditions, bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP or BPAP) can be an effective alternative, delivering different preset pressures for inhalation and exhalation.

Oral Appliances

Dr. Grivas specializes in custom-made oral appliances, including the Vivos oral appliance. These devices reposition your jaw and tongue, reducing airway obstruction and improving breathing during sleep. Oral appliances are a non-invasive way to treat obstructive sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw and tongue to reduce airway obstruction.

Surgical Interventions

In rare cases where other treatments aren’t effective, surgical options may be considered. However, this is typically a last resort. Surgical interventions are among the various treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, typically considered when other treatments are not effective.

Complications and Consequences

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to several serious complications and consequences that extend beyond just poor sleep. Here are some of the most significant risks:

1. Daytime Sleepiness: OSA can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, which can impair your ability to perform daily activities and increase the risk of accidents, particularly while driving or operating heavy machinery.
2. Cardiovascular Disease: There is a strong link between OSA and cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. Repeated interruptions in breathing can strain your heart and blood vessels, leading to these serious conditions.
3. Type 2 Diabetes: OSA has been associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These disruptions can affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, contributing to insulin resistance.
4. Mood Disorders: The chronic fatigue and sleep deprivation caused by OSA can contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can further impact your quality of life and overall well-being.
5. Cognitive Impairment: OSA can impair cognitive functions, including attention, memory, and decision-making. This can affect your work performance and daily activities, making it difficult to concentrate and remember important information.
6. Accidents and Injuries: The excessive daytime sleepiness associated with OSA increases the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly those related to driving or operating heavy machinery. This can have serious consequences for your safety and the safety of others.
7. Reduced Quality of Life: Overall, OSA can significantly reduce your quality of life. It can strain relationships, affect work performance, and diminish your overall sense of well-being.

Recognizing these potential complications underscores the importance of seeking treatment for OSA. Addressing the condition can help mitigate these risks and improve your overall health and quality of life.