Do you snore at night, suffer from fatigue, and frequently wake up with a sore throat? You might be suffering from sleep apnea, and you have options. With treatment, you and your partner can begin getting a good night’s sleep.
In the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Eliot Y. Ghatan provides solutions for sleep apnea. His Ocean Parkway clinic, Dr. Ghatan Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, provides the most cutting-edge laser treatments to widen the airways of those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects the body’s ability to breathe while unconscious. Over 18 million adults suffer from sleep apnea in the United States alone.
There are two forms of sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being the most common. OSA occurs when the airway closes while you sleep, usually caused by a collapse of the throat. Central sleep apnea is less common and is caused by a failure in the brain’s respiratory center.
The primary symptom of sleep apnea is interrupted sleep, though you might not remember waking up. Your body wakes itself to open the airway and begin breathing again. While brief, these pauses prevent you from falling into deep, restful sleep.
What are the negative effects of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can have serious effects on the quality of your sleep, your energy levels, and your level of concentration. Many people with sleep apnea might not realize how deeply their condition is affecting them until they solve it. Sleep is necessary for the body, and poor sleep can lead to a number of issues, both mental and physical.
Many people report hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, memory issues, sore throat, and headaches. Sleep apnea can also put a strain on bed partners, as most people with OSA snore and make various noises in their sleep as they struggle to breathe.
Finding a solution for sleep apnea
Many people turn to oral devices to improve their obstructive sleep apnea. While effective, these devices might feel uncomfortable to sleep in, and fitting them correctly is a concern.
Laser treatments are another option. NightLase® (Fotona) laser treatment works to heat the tissues inside your mouth, widening your airways and reducing the sound of snoring. By removing obstructions, you can breathe easier in your sleep. By proxy, your bed partner can get a good night’s sleep, too.
If you’re interested in NightLase laser treatment for sleep apnea, you can discuss your treatment options with Dr. Ghatan by scheduling an appointment. Book online or call our office today.
