Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions often lead to loud snoring, gasping for air, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can affect your ability to work, concentrate, and maintain daily energy levels.
There are several types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and happens when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Risk factors include excess weight, smoking, alcohol use, family history, and chronic nasal congestion.
Treatment options depend on severity. Lifestyle changes may help mild cases, while CPAP therapy remains a common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. Newer options, such as Inspire therapy and other surgical treatments, may help patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Severe sleep apnea may interfere with employment and daily functioning. In some cases, people with advanced symptoms may qualify for Social Security disability benefits due to related complications such as heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, or cognitive impairment.
If you are experiencing ongoing fatigue, loud snoring, or breathing pauses during sleep, a sleep evaluation can help determine the cause. Enticare is an ENT clinic located in Phoenix, Arizona, providing sleep apnea evaluations, sleep studies, and advanced treatment options for patients throughout the Phoenix area.