Your heart is responsible for delivering oxygen to all vital organs. When oxygen levels drop and carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream, your body will significantly struggle to heal. This is precisely the issue faced by patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) like many that we see at Best Sleep Today.
We help patients every day who struggle with this common yet dangerous sleep disorder. OSA is characterized by repetitive episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. When the airway becomes blocked, breathing is temporarily stopped. This reduction in airflow leads to a drop in blood oxygen levels and a buildup of toxic carbon dioxide.
To counter this respiratory crisis, the body triggers an arousal response to reopen the airway, often accompanied by gasping, choking, or snorting sounds. While this jolt back into wakefulness restores breathing, it also causes significant sleep fragmentation and deprivation. A patient with moderate to severe OSA may experience hundreds of these frightening episodes per night.
The consequences of chronic intermittent hypoxia (low oxygen) and sleep disruption are numerous. It puts an immense strain on the cardiovascular system, raising blood pressure and increasing risks of heart disease, irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks, stroke, and even heart failure. Additionally, the excessive daytime sleepiness caused by lack of quality sleep impairs cognition, emotional regulation, productivity, and overall quality of life.
If you or a loved one experiences loud snoring, observed pauses in breathing during sleep, morning headaches, or severe daytime fatigue, you may be among the millions of Americans affected by OSA. The first step is seeking proper diagnosis through an overnight sleep study. Best Sleep Today can set you up with a portable device that you take home and wear during sleep, meaning you don’t have to spend the night in a laboratory to understand your sleep habits!
We cannot overstate the importance of promptly treating OSA to protect your long-term health. Lifestyle modifications like weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and side sleeping positions can help. CPAP masks have been suggested for several decades now, but an increasing number of Americans simply cannot wear the mask and bulky equipment comfortably. Many feel claustrophobic and unable to relax while wearing the device. For this growing population, an oral sleep appliance may be the answer.
Don’t let another day go by struggling with poor sleep and unknown health risks. Call the office at 817-623-9699 to schedule a consultation. Getting control of OSA is life-changing. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey to breathing easier, sleeping soundly, and experiencing your Best Sleep Today.