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Your Guide to Sleep Apnea in Philadelphia, PA

A woman holding a pillow over her ears while her husband snores

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that interferes with your breathing patterns during sleep. This happens when your airway becomes obstructed, causing you to repeatedly wake up throughout the night, disturbing your sleep cycle. 

In addition to sleepless nights, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of other health complications. If you feel you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it’s crucial to seek proper treatment as soon as possible. Explore our guide below to learn more about sleep apnea and its signs. 

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea can cause a variety of symptoms that can affect your day-to-day life. Some of these include:

  • Loud, disruptive snoring
  • Gasping or choking overnight
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Decrease libido

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms consistently, call our Philadelphia office at (215) 739-2543 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Slobodinsky. 

What Sleep Position is Best for Sleep Apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, you may find some relief by sleeping on your side instead of your back. We recommend this as it’s less likely that your airway will collapse and restrict your air. However, side sleeping may not be an effective option because there are various causes for sleep apnea.

Dr. Slobodinsky will suggest lifestyle changes such as the use of special pillows designed to help with sleep disorders in addition to other trusted solutions, such as an oral appliance so you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy night’s rest. 

Is Sleep Apnea Hereditary?

If your parents suffer from sleep apnea, you’re 50 percent more likely to also develop a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders are caused by a variety of different factors, such as a narrow airway, genetics, excess weight, nasal congestion, and smoking. Fortunately, Dr. Slobodinsky offers several options for sleep apnea treatment, providing relief from symptoms and a good night’s sleep.

The Effects of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Living with untreated sleep apnea can have various long-term effects on your health. When you stop breathing, your blood oxygen levels drop, your heart rate increases, and your blood pressure spikes. As a result, untreated sleep apnea has been linked to serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, strokes, heart disease, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s Disease, and diabetes. 

In addition to long-term health consequences, it also affects your quality of life. Patients suffering from sleep disorders complain of memory loss, weight gain, and headaches. Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that should be treated as soon as possible.

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Our Treatment Options

In order to provide you with sleep apnea treatment, you’ll need to receive a proper diagnosis. This involves undergoing a sleep study, either in a laboratory or in the comfort of your own home, and then reviewing your results. Once you’ve received a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Slobodinsky and our team will go over your treatment options.

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are the most popular treatment method. This device pumps pressurized air through a mask that’s worn over your face while you sleep, keeping your airway open and allowing you to breathe freely. However, CPAP machines aren’t ideal for everyone. 

If CPAP isn’t the right solution for you, Dr. Slobodinsky also offers customized oral appliances. Oral appliances can be a great option for patients suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea. An oral appliance is a custom-made device that’s used to treat sleep disorders and snoring.

Custom oral appliances are comfortable, easy to use, and quiet. Dr. Slobodinsky uses the Zyppah appliance which employs elastics to pull the lower jaw forward, ensuring that your jaw can move freely in any direction during the night. 

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FAQs

Does sleep apnea cause weight gain?
Will an oral appliance help my snoring if I don’t have sleep apnea?
Does sleep apnea cause weight gain?

Yes, sleep apnea and weight gain are intrinsically linked. Gaining weight makes you more susceptible to sleep apnea; at the same time, sleep apnea is a major cause of weight gain. Unfortunately, the two interact in a brutal cycle that’s difficult to break without help.

Having a healthy body weight is the best way to prevent sleep apnea and the best natural solution for those who have already been diagnosed. Dr. Slobodinsky will provide tips for exercising and eating healthy to mitigate your symptoms when you visit us for a consultation.

Will an oral appliance help my snoring if I don’t have sleep apnea?

In many cases, an oral appliance can help lessen the effects of snoring even if you don’t have sleep apnea. An oral appliance keeps the airway open and clear while you’re sleeping, which is a major issue in snorers and sleep apnea patients alike. These appliances are comfortable, convenient, and can contribute significantly to a good night’s rest.

A Convenient Treatment for Sleep Apnea

If you have sleep apnea, seeking treatment is vital to your health. A customized oral appliance can help treat your disorder while improving the quality of your sleep, and your life. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Slobodinsky by calling (215) 739-2543. Your ticket to a better night’s sleep is just around the corner.

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