How CPAP Therapy Can Prevent Complications of Sleep Apnea

In the US, sleep disorders are now a public health epidemic. Around 40 million Americans suffering from chronic sleep disorders and around 22 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that causes a person to stop breathing throughout the night. What makes matters worse is that approximately 80 percent of people with moderate to severe OSA are undiagnosed. The goal of our Winchester, VA, neurologists is to diagnose sleep disorders as soon as possible so that we can create a treatment plan that promotes better sleep and improves your health. Know when to turn to us.

Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night, which restricts blood flow to the brain. Along with experiencing poor sleep, extreme exhaustion throughout the day and difficulty concentrating, untreated sleep apnea can also lead to more serious health problems in the long run including,

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke

To prevent these issues from happening it’s crucial to be able to recognize the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea so you know when to seek medical attention. Common signs and symptoms include,

  • Chronic, loud snoring
  • Choking or gasping for air while asleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Sore throat, particularly in the morning
  • Extreme and excessive sleepiness
  • Trouble concentrating and memory issues
  • “Brain fog”
  • Irritability
  • Increase in accidents

If you or a loved one is experiencing these sleep apnea symptoms it’s time to schedule an evaluation with one of our neurologists as soon as possible.

Treating Sleep Apnea Effectively

The goals of sleep apnea treatment include,

  • Keeping the airways open and preventing blockages while you sleep 
  • Managing symptoms of sleep apnea to promote restorative sleep
  • Reducing the risk for serious and chronic health problems

The most common OSA treatment is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. Patients with OSA are instructed to wear a facemask while their sleep. The mask is attached to a pump that delivers pressurized air to the passages to prevent obstructions. When fitted properly and used as directed, CPAP therapy can be incredibly effective at treating your symptoms. It can take some time to get used to wearing a facemask while you sleep.

Our Winchester, VA, neurology consultants are happy to provide tips and advice for making the transition to using CPAP easier. When used properly, CPAP treatment can greatly reduce your risk for stroke and other serious cardiac events. Using this treatment night after night can help you get quality, restful sleep on a regular basis.

If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea it’s important that you turn to a board-certified sleep physicians in Winchester, VA, who can help. Call Winchester Neurological Consultants today and let us know how we can help you sleep more soundly.

Winchester Neurological Consultants

Office Hours

DOORS OPEN AT 8:15AM

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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