Snoring & Sleep Disorders
The American Sleep Apnea Association explains that many sleep disorders can be attributed to snoring and sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when there is a fluttering of the tissues in the back of the throat. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. In central sleep apnea, the airway is not blocked but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Mixed apnea, as the name implies, is a combination of the two. With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently, sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality. This can result in not feeling rested upon waking, feeling fatigued during the day, which can result in poor concentration due to not sleeping well, and can lead to heart issues such as high blood pressure, heart and lung failure, and even strokes which can be life threatening.
Because of the close association between the nose, throat, apnea and the resulting sleep disorders, Freedman ENT provides diagnostic, testing and surgical, as well as non-surgical, solutions to help you get a better and safer night’s sleep.