Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night. These interruptions can lead to loud snoring, gasping for air, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Over time, untreated sleep apnea may affect your ability to work, concentrate, and stay alert.
There are three main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to signal the body to breathe. Some patients experience complex sleep apnea, which includes both types.
Common risk factors include excess weight, smoking, alcohol use, family history, nasal congestion, and a larger neck size. Left untreated, sleep apnea can raise your risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Treatment options depend on severity. Mild cases may improve with lifestyle changes such as weight loss or quitting smoking. Moderate to severe sleep apnea often requires CPAP therapy to keep the airway open during sleep. For patients who struggle with CPAP, newer options like Inspire® therapy or surgical treatments may help improve breathing at night.
If sleep apnea symptoms interfere with daily functioning, some patients may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to related complications such as heart conditions, pulmonary hypertension, or cognitive impairment.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, the ENT clinic Enticare is located in Maricopa and offers sleep studies, diagnosis, and advanced treatment options. Our ENT specialists help patients find effective solutions to improve sleep quality and long-term health.