Sleep Apnea Services
Understanding Sleep Apnea
What is it?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder where your upper airway becomes blocked during sleep. It affects your airflow and oxygen intake and, as a result, your breathing stops and starts throughout the night. You may even wake during the night gasping for air or choking.
Some lifestyle habits and risk factors that can increase your chances of suffering from sleep apnea include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Obesity
How sleep apnea can affect your overall health.
Systemic Illness and Disorders to Be Aware Of
The restorative power of sleep cannot be underestimated. Sleep apnea is a serious disruption to normal sleep patterns and can significantly affect your overall health and well-being. The repeated interruptions in your breathing result in fragmented, poor-quality sleep. This can, in turn, lead to other symptoms and systemic illnesses, including:
Cardiovascular Disease
Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to hypertension and heart disease and increase your risk of stroke.
Impaired Cognitive Function
A lack of oxygen intake impairs cognitive performance and function, including memory, concentration, and emotional regulation.
Metabolic Disorders
Research has shown a link between sleep apnea and metabolic issues, such as type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Is it time you had an evaluation?
Like any condition, symptoms may vary among sleep apnea sufferers. While loud snoring is perhaps the most recognizable symptom of sleep apnea, many other symptoms also indicate a sleep apnea evaluation is necessary. These include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor sleep quality
- Observed interruptions to regular breathing patterns during sleep
- Waking up unexpectedly gasping or choking
- Headaches experienced in the morning upon awakening
- Waking up with a dry mouth and/or sore throat
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Moodiness and irritability due to constant fatigue
In-Office Sleep Apnea Evaluations
What to Expect
Sleep apnea evaluations at our office start with a conversation between the patient and the doctor. We will ask you questions about your sleep and any symptoms you may have. If sleep apnea is probable, we will send you home with a home-sleep testing unit. This innovative equipment tracks your sleep. An at-home sleep study is much more comfortable and hassle-free compared to in-lab sleep studies that lead straight to a CPAP.
Your at-home sleep study results will be read and interpreted by an experienced team. The CinciSleep team can also refer you to a sleep specialist for further diagnostics if needed.
Your first visit to CinciSleep is absolutely FREE whether you have been diagnosed previously or you are just exploring the possibility you may have sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Traditional vs. Oral Appliances
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are two main treatment options available to you:
- Traditional Treatment Through a Sleep Specialist
Sleep specialists traditionally prescribe CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines to treat sleep apnea. This type of machine consists of a mask over the nose and mouth that is connected to the CPAP machine. The continuous flow of air pressure and oxygen you receive through the machine maintains an open airway while you sleep. CPAPs are effective; however, many patients find the mask restrictive and uncomfortable to wear all night. - An FDA-Approved Oral Appliance
CinciSleep can make a custom oral appliance (like a mouthpiece) for you to wear while you sleep as a sleep apnea treatment. This appliance will reposition your jaw and open your airway to optimize its function and airflow. Patients with sleep apnea often prefer this noninvasive method because it is more discreet, comfortable, and portable compared to a traditional CPAP machine.
Take our online sleep assessment now…
CinciSleep’s online sleep assessment will help you interpret whether your symptoms point to sleep apnea. It’s quick and easy to complete and will only take five minutes of your time. A member of our team will follow up with you about your results within 24 hours.
A fantastic experience! From start to finish, a beautiful high tech office, welcoming staff, all information about their sleep apnea device delivered with care by Lori Kitzmiller, then meeting Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller, whose gentle but enthusiastic demeanor sets one at ease. None better!
JED H.