Do you need help from your Portland and Astoria, OR, doctor when it comes to sleep medicine?

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that affects a person's respiratory airflow. The airflow is interrupted when soft tissue, like the tongue, collapse in the back of your throat while you're asleep, causing a partially closed windpipe. The soft tissue vibrates resulting in snoring.

More About Sleep Apnea

Some interesting facts about sleep apnea are that 12.5 percent of people suffer from a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea may also lead to erectile dysfunction and increase risks of heart attacks, high blood pressure and strokes.

Not getting the sleep you need can be linked to many diseases, which is why it's important to contact your Portland and Astoria sleep medicine physicians.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the upper airway is blocked and significant airflow disruption occurs, complete blockage of airflow may result as well.

Someone suffering from sleep apnea may wake up several times a night. These awakenings are called micro-arousals and prevent deep and restful sleep.

Lack of Sleep

There are many diseases that are linked to a lack of sleep, so make sure you ask your Portland and Astoria doctor about how he can help you cope with or treat certain your sleep apnea. The leading sleep apnea treatment is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine which blows a gentle stream of air into the airway to keep it open. Your doctor also provides an oral appliance that you wear while you sleep. This helps reposition the jaw and tongue so that there is no obstruction of the airway while you sleep and decreases the effects of sleep apnea.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health and would like to know if you are suffering from sleep apnea, then it's a good idea to contact your Portland and Astoria, OR, sleep medicine specialists Dr. Gerald Rich, Dr. Radhika Breaden and Dr. Gregory Clark today!