Addressing sleep apnea can be a critical step in improving your overall cardiovascular health. At Desert Sleep and Wellness, Dr. Trent Smallwood and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea to help you mitigate these risks.

What are the common symptoms of sleep apnea?

Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Loud Snoring: While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud and persistent snoring is a frequent indicator.
• Pauses in Breathing: Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, often followed by gasping or choking.
• Excessive Daytime Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep.
• Morning Headaches: Waking up with a headache is a common symptom.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Poor memory, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating are often reported by individuals with sleep apnea.

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek evaluation and treatment to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.

Are there different types of sleep apnea, and if so, what are they?

Yes, there are three main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type and occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively, leading to airway obstruction during sleep.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA is less common and occurs when the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
• Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnea: Some individuals may have a combination of both OSA and CSA, known as complex or mixed sleep apnea.

Each type requires a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment, which Dr. Trent Smallwood and our team at Desert Sleep and Wellness can provide.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed by healthcare professionals?

Diagnosing sleep apnea involves a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:

• Sleep Study (Polysomnography): This test monitors various body functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and more, to detect sleep disturbances.
• Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT): In some cases, a portable device can be used for convenient at-home monitoring.

Once diagnosed, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific type and severity of sleep apnea.

Can children develop sleep apnea, and what are the signs to look for in kids?

Yes, children can develop sleep apnea. The signs may include:

• Loud snoring
• Frequent restless sleep or tossing and turning
• Bedwetting
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating or behavioral issues

If your child displays these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate care.

What is positional therapy, and how can it help manage sleep apnea?

Positional therapy involves changing your sleeping position to reduce or eliminate sleep apnea events. Some individuals experience sleep apnea primarily when sleeping on their backs. In such cases, positional therapy techniques, such as using special pillows or devices, can help encourage side-sleeping and reduce apnea episodes.

What are some potential complications or health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to various health complications, including:

• Chronic fatigue
• Cardiovascular problems
• Type 2 diabetes
• Weight gain
• Liver problems
• Mood disorders
• Decreased quality of life

If left unaddressed, sleep apnea can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.