If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—such as loud snoring, frequent night awakenings or daytime fatigue—it may be time to get checked. Addressing sleep apnea can help improve your overall health, boost your quality of life and lower the risks of related health conditions.
At Nacogdoches Medical Partners, our team is here to help you take the first steps toward better sleep and better health. Don’t wait—schedule a consultation today to find the support and treatment options that work for you.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA is a common sleep-related breathing disorder where repeated episodes of partial or complete blockage of the upper airway occur during sleep. This blockage happens when muscles in the throat relax, causing soft tissues—such as the tongue and uvula—to collapse back into the airway, restricting airflow. When this occurs, breathing may briefly stop or become shallow, usually lasting for 10 seconds or more before the body responds by waking briefly to reopen the airway.
These awakenings often go unnoticed by the person with OSA but can disrupt sleep cycles, leading to non-restorative sleep. As a result, individuals with OSA may experience daytime sleepiness, fatigue and morning headaches. Additionally, these breathing interruptions may affect other aspects of health over time.
How To Test for Sleep Apnea?
Tests for sleep apnea typically start with a healthcare provider assessing your obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, medical history and any reports from a bed partner about snoring or breathing pauses during sleep. If OSA is suspected, the diagnosis can be confirmed with a sleep study, either done in a sleep clinic or at home with portable testing equipment.
Clinical Evaluation
A healthcare provider may begin with questions about your sleep patterns, daytime fatigue and any episodes of waking up gasping or choking. They may also ask about lifestyle factors, family history or any medical conditions that might increase the risk for OSA. Physical exams might look at neck circumference, throat structure and signs of nasal obstruction, which are sometimes associated with OSA.
Sleep Study Options:
- Polysomnography (PSG): This is an overnight test typically performed in a sleep clinic or hospital.
- Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT): In some cases, home testing may be an option. This involves using a portable device that tracks simpler measures like airflow, breathing effort, heart rate and oxygen levels.
How To Treat Sleep Apnea?
Treating OSA involves approaches that support better breathing during sleep, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Obstructive sleep apnea treatment options vary, ranging from lifestyle adjustments and devices to, in some cases, surgery. Your healthcare provider can help determine which approach fits best, based on the severity of your condition and personal preferences.
Nonsurgical Treatments
- Lifestyle changes: Adjusting daily habits can sometimes ease OSA symptoms. This may include weight management, avoiding alcohol or sedatives or avoiding sleeping on your back.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a device that delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth, keeping the airway open during sleep.
- Auto-adjusting PAP (APAP) and bilevel PAP (BiPAP): These alternatives to CPAP adjust air pressure based on breathing needs, which may be more appropriate for some individuals.
- Oral appliances: Custom-made oral appliances may help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or holding the tongue in place.
- Upper airway stimulation: This involves an implanted device that stimulates the nerves controlling muscles in the throat, helping to keep the airway open.
Surgical Treatments
Obstructive sleep apnea surgery may be an option when nonsurgical treatments are not enough to improve symptoms or in cases with specific anatomical concerns. Surgical options focus on reducing airway obstruction by removing or repositioning tissues. Types of surgery include:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This removes excess tissue from the throat, such as the soft palate and uvula, to help reduce airway collapse.
- Genioglossus advancement and hyoid suspension: These procedures move certain muscles or structures in the throat forward to increase airway space.
- Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA): This moves the upper and lower jaw forward, widening the airway and is typically reserved for those with anatomical characteristics that narrow the airway.
- Tracheostomy: This bypasses the upper airway, creating an opening in the neck for breathing. Tracheostomy is rarely performed and may only be recommended in severe obstructive sleep apnea cases where all other treatments have been ineffective.
What Health Problems Can Sleep Apnea Cause?
OSA can affect multiple aspects of health and is a serious condition that may increase the risk of various complications. While OSA itself doesn’t cause immediate death, its effects on the body can contribute to life-threatening issues over time if left untreated.
OSA may impact heart health by causing frequent drops in oxygen levels that can raise blood pressure and increase risks for conditions like hypertension, heart disease and irregular heartbeats. Untreated OSA also raises the risk of stroke, as the strain from interrupted breathing affects blood vessels.
Metabolically, OSA may lead to weight gain and Type 2 diabetes due to disrupted sleep affecting blood sugar regulation. Cognitive and mental health may suffer as well, with some experiencing fatigue, memory issues and mood changes, including depression. Daytime safety is another concern, as sleepiness from OSA can increase accident risk, particularly while driving. Additional effects include morning headaches, frequent night awakenings and relationship impacts if loud snoring disturbs a bed partner.
Recommendations
If you’re struggling with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, like snoring, fatigue or difficulty staying asleep, getting evaluated can make a meaningful difference in your health and daily life. Nacogdoches Medical Partners is here to guide you through every step, from testing to personalized treatment options. Schedule a consultation with us today and start on the path to better sleep and a healthier life.