Sleep Apnea FAQs

Sleep apnea can be more common than you may realize and you most likely either know someone or know someone who knows someone who has it. If you know someone who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, they may be scared or confused as to how this happened to them in the first place. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to answer a few frequently asked questions regarding sleep apnea. If you think you or someone you know may have symptoms of sleep apnea, make an appointment with one of our Central Missouri health clinics today. All of our locations and phone numbers can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

Q: How can sleep apnea be treated?
A: Treatment for sleep apnea has come a long way, so if in the past you were unhappy with treatment, you may be impressed now. Some of the treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea include CPAP, Other breathing devices, Dental devices, Implants, Surgery. Only seek these options if they are prescribed to you by a doctor. For other treatment options, consult a doctor.

Q: What are some of the symptoms of sleep apnea?
A: It can be very difficult to identify symptoms of sleep apnea since you are asleep, but you can have a sleeping partner help you or have your sleep recorded by a professional. These are some of the symptoms that could indicate you might have sleep apnea:

• Loud and chronic snoring almost every night
• Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
• Being sleepy and feeling fatigued during the day, no matter how much time you spend in bed
• Waking up in the night feeling short of breath
• Pauses in breath

Q: What exactly is sleep apnea?
A: Sleep apnea is a common, but serious sleep disorder that occurs when you're breathing is briefly interrupted when you are asleep. There are 3 types of sleep apnea:

• Complex Sleep Apnea - This is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea - This is the most common type of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep, blocking the airway, often causing you to snore loudly.
• Central Sleep Apnea - This is a much less common type of sleep apnea that involves the central nervous system.  This occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. People who have central sleep apnea seldom snore.

Have more questions about sleep apnea? Make an appointment with one of our providers at the Lake of the Ozarks today. All of our providers' bios, health clinic locations, and phone numbers can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. Please give us a call today!

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573.765.5141 -- Richland
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Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties