Sleep apnea treatment for your best night's rest
Sleep apnea
Our team is here to treat your sleep apnea so you can get more restful sleep.
What is sleep apnea?
When you temporarily stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep, this is known as sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you’re not alone. More than 18 million people are diagnosed each year with this common condition.
There are a few different types of sleep apnea including:
- Central sleep apnea – When your brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing, it’s called central sleep apnea. This less common type of sleep apnea is typically caused by an underlying medical condition such as heart failure.
- Obstructive sleep apnea – The most common type of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked or narrowed.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome – A combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring. Other common sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Waking up with a dry mouth or headache
- Gasping for air or choking while asleep
- Stopping breathing for short periods while sleeping
- Memory loss or poor concentration
Just because you have some of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have sleep apnea. If you’re having symptoms, it’s still important to speak to your doctor to rule out other health conditions.
Talk to our team today to schedule an appointment
Sleep apnea risk factors
Certain behaviors, genetics and risk factors can increase your chances of developing sleep apnea. These include:
- High blood pressure: One-third of American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension increases the risk of developing sleep apnea.
- Diabetes: Those with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop sleep apnea than those who don’t have the condition.
- Being overweight: People who have excess body fat — especially around the waist — are more likely to develop sleep apnea, even if they have no other risk factors.
- Narrowed airway: People who have a narrowed airway are at greater risk for developing sleep apnea.
- Family history: If you have a family member who’s been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’re at a greater risk for developing the condition.
- Age: The risk of developing sleep apnea increases with age.
- Other risk factors: Other risk factors that can increase the risk of sleep apnea include being male, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, nasal congestion and having asthma.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Our team of sleep specialists is experienced in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. We offer screening tests that use the most advanced technology to better detect sleep apnea including:
- At-home sleep study – During this test, you’ll wear a portable breathing monitor overnight while you sleep. This device measures and records your breathing patterns and oxygen levels.
- In-lab sleep study – More involved than an at-home sleep study, this test is performed at a specialized sleep lab. During this test, a technician attaches small sensors to your body. These sensors monitor brain waves, breathing and heart rate, as well as oxygen levels and eye movement while you sleep.
Sleep apnea treatment
Depending on the type and severity of your sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Your doctor may suggest several lifestyle changes to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. These may include:
- Quitting smoking
- Exercise
- Change in diet
- Losing weight
- Changing sleep positions
Sleep medicine services at Geisinger
Whether you have a simple or complex sleep disorder, we’re dedicated to getting you the treatment you need to sleep better. We offer:
- The knowledge you need – Your sleep medicine team includes doctors and specialists with years of training and experience. Their expertise has been honed by treating many people with sleep apnea every year. Their focus is on delivering the care best suited to your needs.
- Care designed for you, where you live – With locations throughout northeast, central and south-central Pennsylvania, our experienced team provides consultations and comprehensive care. We offer leading-edge treatment options and tailored-to-you care, backed by the expertise and innovation of a nationally recognized health system.
- Accredited sleep centers – Our sleep centers are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for in-center and in-home sleep testing as well as for durable home medical equipment distribution (CPAP or BiPAP therapy and supplies).
- Comprehensive sleep apnea treatment – Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan centered on your individual needs. Options like lifestyle changes or CPAP therapy can help manage your sleep apnea symptoms to help you feel your best.
- Sleep testing designed with you in mind – Our sleep centers feature comfortable, private bedrooms that help people feel relaxed and at home. Depending on your condition, we also offer unattended home sleep testing that can be performed within 24 hours of clinical evaluation by one of our sleep specialists.