What Is Sleep Apnea? Greensboro

Sleep Apnea Solutions with an Emphasis on Education

Smiling woman stretching in bed after sleep apnea treatment in Greensboro

Sleep apnea refers to a serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It might not sound serious at first glance, but it has the potential to cause severe health complications that extend beyond feeling drowsy or snoring loudly. Jack Bagley, PA and his brother Dr. Thomas Bagley have spent years treating various types of sleep apnea, and with their help, you can begin enjoying restful sleep each night so that you can conquer each day as your best self. To learn more about sleep apnea in Greensboro, feel free to contact our sleep office for additional information or assistance with scheduling an appointment.

Why Choose SleepMed Solutions for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Combined Medical and Dental Sleep Clinic
Insurance-Friendly and Financing Available
Spanish-Speaking Patients Welcome

The Basics of Sleep Apnea

Man sleeping on his back with his mouth open

Sleep apnea is a nighttime condition that causes patients to stop breathing at various times throughout the night. These episodes, called apneas, can even occur hundreds of times in a given night and can last up to 30 seconds or longer, ultimately leading to quite a bit of compounded lost sleep.

There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, complex, and central. Each time, your breathing stops too long and too often; however, the reason for this pause in breathing depends on the type.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by some type of blockage that occurs within the airway, which impedes the natural flow of breathing. Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs due to problems stemming from miscommunications between the brain and central nervous system. Complex sleep apnea usually involves a combination of the two.

This all makes diagnosis even more vital, as it’s important to not only know if you have sleep apnea, but also which type you have so that your prescribed treatment works as flawlessly as possible.

Learn More About Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Man sleeping on his back with his mouth open with illustration showing his blocked airway

Sleep apnea is caused by disturbances to a patient’s breathing patterns while they’re sleeping; however, the source of these disturbances can vary. In many cases, it’s because soft tissues and throat muscles relax and block the airway, preventing adequate oxygen flow. In response, the brain tells the body to wake up and restore its breathing patterns, and before you know it, you’re forced into a constant cycle of this – though, these awakenings are so brief that you usually don’t even know they’re happening.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Frustrated woman covering her ears with a pillow next to a snoring man

Sleep apnea manifests differently for every patient; this is part of why seeking a professional diagnosis and treatment is so important. However, there are a few symptoms that are overwhelmingly common among many obstructive sleep apnea patients, including things like:

Excessive daytime sleepiness
Loud snoring
Observed episodes of paused breathing during sleep
Waking during the night and gasping or choking
Morning headaches
Morning dry mouth or sore throat
Mood changes and irritability during the day
High blood pressure
Decreased interest in sex

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Man in a hospital gown talking to a doctor

To put it simply, your body needs sleep. Getting enough rest each night is critical to every aspect of your body’s wellness, including your mental health, cardiovascular health, and metabolic health. Disrupting your body’s normal sleep routine disrupts all of your body’s systems – and this is why sleep apnea is often associated with dozens of serious health issues. These include conditions like:

Heart disease
Stroke
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity, including unexplained weight gain and the inability to lose weight
Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
Memory problems
Cancer
Depression and other mood disorders
Sexual dysfunction

These conditions are all especially dangerous and some can even prove fatal if left unaddressed. In fact, people with untreated sleep apnea have roughly a 46% higher risk of premature death. Additionally, people with untreated sleep apnea often spend thousands of dollars more each year on healthcare and many more hours at the doctor’s office.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Man sleeping while hooked up to a sleep apnea testing device

The process for diagnosing sleep apnea involves a home sleep test – but don’t worry, this isn’t the type of test you’ll need to prepare for beforehand. Our office will provide you with a special, portable device that you’ll take home and wear to sleep. The device is small and hardly noticeable, and it monitors your oxygen level, heart rate, air flow, sleep position, snoring, and other relevant factors throughout the night, allowing us to accurately determine the extent of your symptoms so that we can plan out your treatment.

Learn More About Sleep Testing

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Woman sleeping on her side with a C P A P mask over her nose

There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment when it comes to sleep apnea; since every patient differs, there are various forms of treatment. However, many involve the use of either an oral appliance device or a CPAP machine. Both of these methods ultimately ensure that you’re able to receive enough oxygen each night, allowing for far fewer interruptions and more restful sleep. Before we can offer these treatments, you’ll need to come in for an in-person examination so that we can accurately diagnose your condition. This process also involves a non-invasive at-home sleep test.

Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Smiling woman holding a white mug of coffee

Sleep apnea treatment doesn’t just benefit your sleep – it benefits your daily life, too! Being at a lowered risk of serious health conditions is a huge boon, but the benefits don’t stop there. Once you start treatment, you’ll find that you have much more energy throughout the day. You’ll also be less likely to fall asleep while at work, in the car, or sitting in front of the TV.

You’ll also find that you’re more likely to want to exercise, and you’ll be better able to exercise. This means that your lung capacity can improve, losing weight could be easier, and you’ll find yourself less irritable and better able to enjoy life.

And when it is time to go to sleep, you’ll love going to bed with your partner. Both of you will be able to sleep through the night, with no elbows thrown or disruptive snoring!