Sleep Apnea
We Diagnose and Treat Sleep Apnea
Snoring is widespread among adults. But what happens when that snoring is a symptom of a much more serious condition? Sleep apnea often involves snoring but can have severe side effects if left unaddressed. The team at Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones is well equipped to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. We can even test for this condition using a Home Sleep Testing unit, meaning you won’t have to go to a sleep clinic to be diagnosed. At our office in Santa Barbara, CA, we’ll ensure you have all the information on this often-misunderstood condition. Our patients throughout the community trust us for exceptional care, friendly staff, and state-of-the-art technology.
Why Seek Treatment for Sleep Apnea?
While mild cases of sleep apnea are often thought of as nothing more than snoring, this condition can have severe effects if left unaddressed. Sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the throat collapses into the airway, blocking oxygen. In severe cases, patients may be deprived of oxygen several times throughout the night. Recent studies have also shown a link between sleep apnea and an array of serious health conditions.
Differentiating the Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is an umbrella term for a few different conditions. In general, sleep apnea is a disorder in which one stops and starts breathing throughout the night. However, certain varieties of sleep apnea have different characteristics. Here’s a brief overview of the primary types:
This is the most common form of sleep apnea. It prevents air from flowing through the nose and mouth effectively.
This condition involves improper signals sent from the brain. Malfunctions in the brain prevent muscles that control breathing from working normally.
Those with this variety of the condition exhibit characteristics of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, what are your next steps? Sleeping masks, also known as CPAP’s, are effective for treating sleep apnea. However, they are noisy, bulky and uncomfortable to wear and there are alternatives. A much more comfortable and smaller device can be worn, a mouth guard that will help you breath more easily while you sleep.
