Sleep Disorder Treatments in Tulsa, OK
At the Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital, we understand that restful sleep is an important part of a person’s health. That’s why we offer comprehensive sleep studies at our sleep disorder clinic. Whether you need sleep apnea treatment to help you breathe better at night or comprehensive sleep studies to diagnose your condition, our sleep medicine specialists are here to help. Visit our state-of-the-art sleep center to begin your journey to a better night’s sleep.
About Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) afflicts 20 million adult men and women in the United States. People who have OSA stop breathing repeatedly during sleep because the airway collapses. Airway collapse may be due to a large tongue, extra tissue in the airway or decreased muscle tone holding the airway open.
As a result, air is prevented from getting into the lungs which leads to pauses in breathing. These disruptions can happen 30 times or more per hour and the sleeping individual is typically not even aware of them. When healthy sleep is interrupted in this way, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other serious health conditions may increase.
OSA can occur in men, women and children of all ages and sizes. Most people who have OSA do not realize they have the condition. Often, it is someone else who witnesses the first signs of OSA. Key signs and common symptoms of OSA include:
- Awakening with a dry mouth
- Chronic daytime sleepiness
- Depression and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent urination at night
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Grogginess and morning headaches
- Insomnia
- Loud or disruptive snoring
Individuals most susceptible to developing sleep apnea include middle-aged and older adults — particularly men — and postmenopausal women. Factors such as obesity, anatomical abnormalities, smoking and alcohol use, and certain medical conditions can also increase your chance of developing sleep apnea. Understanding these risk factors can help you take proactive steps to reduce your likelihood of developing sleep apnea and improve your overall health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If left untreated, sleep apnea may increase your risk of developing serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment if you suspect you have sleep apnea or have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a specialist.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment for sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This treatment involves a machine that delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth (or both) during sleep. This continuous airflow keeps the airways open, preventing the collapse or blockage that causes interruptions in breathing. By maintaining open airways, CPAP helps to ensure a consistent oxygen supply throughout the night, reducing or eliminating the breathing pauses characteristic of sleep apnea.
CPAP treatment can improve sleep quality, reduce daytime sleepiness, and lower the risk of associated health complications like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Other benefits of CPAP include:
- Fewer morning headaches
- Improved memory
- Improved overall quality of life
- Increased ability to exercise
- Increased effectiveness at home or at work
- Increased energy level and attentiveness during the day
- Less waking during the night to go to the bathroom
- Reduced irritability
We also offer other treatments for sleep apnea, including:
- Custom oral appliance: This personalized dental device treats OSA by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue during sleep. This adjustment helps to keep the airway open, reducing the risk of airway collapse that leads to breathing interruptions. Custom-made for each patient by a dentist or orthodontist, these appliances are crafted to fit comfortably and securely, providing an effective, non-invasive alternative to CPAP therapy for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
- Inspire therapy: Inspire works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to open during sleep. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up. No mask, no hose, just sleep. Inspire therapy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
To learn more about our sleep center, please call us.