Understanding the Risks, Symptoms, and Solutions of Sleep Apnea

If you’ve ever woken up feeling like you didn’t sleep a wink, you might be suffering from a common disorder called sleep apnea. At Alabama ENT Specialists, under the expertise of Dr. Craig M. Benoit, we’re here to help you understand the risks, symptoms, and solutions for this often overlooked condition. Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care for sleep apnea, among other ENT issues, to help get back to restful sleep.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Simply put, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where you repeatedly, and involuntarily, stop and start breathing while sleeping. It’s more common than you think, yet many people dismiss their symptoms as just ‘poor sleep’. While everyone can have a bad night, consistent sleep issues may be a sign of this disease.

Risks Associated With Sleep Apnea

When left untreated, sleep apnea poses serious health risks. These can range from hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, to even depression. The state of Alabama, including areas around Tuscaloosa, has seen a rise in cases, indicating a need for skilled ENT Specialists like those at Alabama ENT Specialists.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, feeling tired after a full night’s sleep, and in some cases, episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. Other symptoms include waking up with a dry mouth, morning headache, difficulty staying asleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

If several of these sleep apnea symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to pay us a visit at Alabama ENT Specialists, located at 302 Merchants Walk, Suite 100 in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Treatment Solutions for Sleep Apnea

While there are many ways to manage sleep apnea, some situations require professional intervention. At Alabama ENT Specialists, we provide various treatment solutions, including lifestyle changes, the use of oral appliances, and in more severe cases, surgical options.

Lifestyle Changes

Some lifestyle changes recommended by our specialists include losing weight, regular exercise, and moderating alcohol consumption. All these can help manage the severity of sleep apnea.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are often used to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are designed to keep your throat open and can be a good option if you’re unable to use a CPAP machine. We offer customized devices that are adjusted to fit your mouth specifically.

Surgical Options

If lifestyle changes or oral appliances fail to manage your symptoms, surgical procedures may be a viable solution. These include tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or Base of Tongue reduction. Our experienced team here in Tuscaloosa, AL, including Dr. Craig M. Benoit, Dr. Gordon Shields, Dr. Anna Crady, and Dr. Shelby Davis, can discuss these options with you.

Schedule a Consultation

We invite anyone in Alabama in need of treatment solutions for sleep apnea to reach out and schedule a consultation via our online contact form. We believe in a personalized approach to treatment, ensuring you get the care suitable for you. In addition to providing information about sleep apnea, we strive to deliver reliable solutions for the community in Alabama. Visit our services page to learn more about what we offer.