Our Services
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, which can last for a few seconds to several minutes, can occur hundreds of times per night. When breathing stops, oxygen levels in the blood drop, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, preventing air from flowing into the lungs. OSA is often caused by the relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by a problem with the brain’s signals that control breathing. When the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe, breathing stops for a short period.
Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Oral Sleep Appliances
A CPAP machine has a hose that attaches to a plastic mask that you wear over your mouth and nose while you sleep. The hose delivers a constant stream of air pressure into your nose and mouth, preventing your tongue from blocking the back of your throat. Some CPAP machines include a setting called pressure relief that lowers the amount of air pressure delivered each time you exhale. CPAP machines typically require you to plug them in, although battery-operated devices are now available as well.
CPAP Device for Traveling
If you travel frequently, ask you doctor if you can obtain a small, portable device that operates exactly like the larger one does.
Just keep in mind that each airline has its own rules about transporting the equipment.
Contact Us for Treatment
Get help for sleep apnea. Call today to make an appointment to see our professionals.
TMJ / TMD
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
These conditions can cause various symptoms, including pain, discomfort, and difficulty opening and closing the jaw.
What are TMJ and TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions that has to do with the movement of this joint, including completely disabling your ability to open and close your mouth without significant pain.
The pain does not necessarily stay localized, as it can often affect hearing and contribute to consistent migraines for many patients.
Are you experiencing TMJ and TMD pain?
Sleep Medicine
Sleep medicine is a specialized field dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and managing sleep disorders. These conditions disrupt the quality, duration, or timing of sleep, impacting both physical and mental health. Or sleep specialists collaborate with patients to understand their unique sleep patterns, identify underlying causes of sleep disturbances, and develop personalized treatment plans.
Treatment Options
Non-pharmacological interventions: These form the cornerstone of treatment and address lifestyle factors contributing to sleep problems. They include establishing regular sleep schedules, creating relaxing bedtime routines, optimizing the sleep environment, and practicing good sleep hygiene.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can also be highly effective, addressing negative thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate sleep difficulties.
Medications
Prescription medications: Sleep specialists may prescribe medications in specific situations when non-pharmacological interventions prove insufficient. Commonly prescribed medications include:
Hypnotics: These medications, like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), promote sleep initiation and can be helpful for short-term management of insomnia. However, they should be used cautiously due to potential risks of dependence and side effects like grogginess upon waking.
Melatonin receptor agonists: Ramelteon (Rozerem) is a medication that targets melatonin receptors, mimicking the natural sleep-wake cycle. It has a lower risk of dependence compared to hypnotics but may not be as effective for everyone.
Over-the-counter medications: Some over-the-counter options, like certain antihistamines (diphenhydramine) or melatonin supplements, are marketed for sleep promotion.
Sleep Solutions
If you have problems getting to sleep and staying asleep, you are undoubtedly open to trying anything to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep once you’ve dozed off.
So, let’s talk about some of your options.
Natural Sleeps Aids
There is a wide range of natural sleep aids. Everything from supplements to foods, to tea, to herbs, etc. But here are a few of the most common natural sleep aids worth trying.
- Warm milk
- Chamomile tea
- Tart cherry juice
- Melatonin
- Valerian
- Kiwi
- Almonds or walnuts
- Turkey
- Passionflower tea
Other natural sleep aids might include meditation, breathing exercises, reading, stopping eating at least two hours before bed, and avoiding nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. You could also try taking a hot bath, exercising earlier in the day, and staying off your electronic devices, such as your mobile phone, tablets, and computers, one to two hours before bed.
Snoring
The rhythmic rumble, the high-pitched whistle, the thunderous roar – snoring, in all its variety, can turn a peaceful night into a cacophony. But behind the din lies a fascinating story, one that delves into the anatomy of sleep and the interplay of various factors. Let’s shed light on the causes of this nocturnal noisemaker.
The Narrowed Passage: At its core, snoring is simply the sound of air vibrating tissues in the upper airway during sleep. When relaxed, these tissues, including the tongue, soft palate, and uvula, can partially block the passage for air, causing them to vibrate with each breath. This vibration is the culprit behind the symphony of snores we hear.
Causes
Anatomy: Some of us are simply born with narrower airways or enlarged tonsils and adenoids, making it easier for tissues to block the passage. A deviated septum, a crooked wall dividing the nostrils, can also contribute to the narrowing.
Lifestyle: Age plays a role, as muscle tone naturally diminishes with time, leading to increased tissue relaxation and snoring. Alcohol and sedatives also relax muscles, making you more likely to snore after a nightcap.
Sleep position: Sleeping on your back allows the tongue to fall back and block the airway more easily. Side sleeping is often the enemy of snoring, as gravity keeps the tongue in a more natural position.
Excess weight: Carrying extra pounds can increase tissue bulk in the neck and throat, narrowing the airway and leading to snoring.
Allergies and congestion: A stuffy nose from allergies, a cold, or sinusitis can block the airway and make snoring worse.
Some people have problems with snoring for years until they do something about it. This can lead to unhealthy sleeping habits that affect everything from your concentration to your physical health. Finding a specialist who can treat snoring isn’t just helpful, it can literally be life-changing. Contact us today!
