Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder and one of the most common sleep problems in the United States. In addition to affecting your restfulness, sleep apnea may also increase your risk of developing other health issues such as diabetes or heart disease. Jagdeep Bijwadia, MD, and the team at Synaptrx Sleep in St. Paul, Minnesota, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. They use state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments to improve your sleep apnea and your health. Call the office or book an appointment online. Synaptrx Sleep also offers virtual consultations.

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What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects normal breathing while you sleep. People with sleep apnea stop breathing while they sleep.

There are three types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea

With obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in the back of your throat relax and block the airway while you sleep.

Central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea occurs when there’s a problem with the messaging between your brain and the muscles that control your respiratory system during sleep.

Mixed sleep apnea

With mixed sleep apnea, you have both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Chronic loud snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. Other symptoms include:

  • Waking up with a dry mouth or headache
  • Not feeling fully rested after a night’s sleep
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Sleepiness while driving
  • Forgetfulness and mood changes
  • Decreased interest in sex
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Waking up choking or gasping for air
  • Insomnia

Your sleep partner may also notice that you stop breathing while you sleep.

Though you may not be aware of what’s going on, when you stop breathing, your brain sends signals to rouse you and restart the breathing. This sleep/wake cycle may occur hundreds of times during the night, which affects your ability to get restful sleep.

You may be at greater risk of developing sleep apnea if you have a medical history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Weight gain also worsens symptoms.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

To diagnose sleep apnea you need to undergo a sleep study. Sleep studies may be conducted at a sleep center with trained sleep technicians who closely monitor you while you sleep.

The team at Synaptrx Sleep also offers a home sleep study test called the NightOwl® from Ectosense. It’s the world’s smallest, most convenient, most accurate home sleep apnea test.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Your provider at Synaptrx Sleep creates a personalized sleep apnea treatment plan after reviewing your diagnosis and treatment options. Treatment for your sleep apnea may depend on the severity of your symptoms, sleep apnea type, and medical history.

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Weight loss
  • Disease-specific medications
  • Smoking cessation

Synaptrx Sleep also offers continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This includes providing you with the machine and the supplies. You use CPAP therapy while you sleep, which helps keep the airway passage open.

Sleep problems like sleep apnea may negatively affect your physical and emotional health. For expert care, call Synaptrx Sleep or request an appointment online today.