Our Mission is to Help You Sleep
Are you waking up tired in the morning? Does your partner complain that your snoring is keeping them up at night? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.
This is a serious medical issue that can lead to strokes and heart attacks when left untreated. At our practice in Powell, TN, Dr. Michael J. Solly offers convenient, non-invasive solutions for treating sleep apnea, including alternatives to CPAP.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea describes when a patient stops breathing several times each night while they sleep. It’s caused by tissue that’s blocking the airway. Daytime fatigue and other serious medical consequences may occur when sleep apnea is left untreated. The good news is that sleep apnea is highly manageable if given the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms and Causes
Sleep apnea is caused by a constricted airway that prevents you from breathing while you’re asleep. Having knowledge of the symptoms and causes of sleep apnea can help you determine if you should seek treatment.
There are several traits associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea, such as being overweight and using alcohol or sedatives. However, you could be suffering from sleep apnea even if none of the risk factors apply to you.
Loud snoring, gasping for breath while you sleep, impaired memory, and a lack of energy during the daytime are all common symptoms of sleep apnea. If any of these symptoms apply to you, call Dr. Solly right away at 865-512-6948 and we’ll make sure you get the necessary care.
Treatments: CPAP Alternatives
Sleep apnea doesn’t have to rule your life — with proper treatment from Dr. Solly, it’s actually highly manageable. The first step in the treatment process is taking a sleep test at home to determine if you have sleep apnea. Your sleep test will be reviewed by a qualified sleep doctor who will prescribe an effective course of treatment if it turns out you’re suffering from sleep apnea.
Once you’re officially diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Solly will work with you to find the best treatment. Although CPAP machines are a popular solution for some, many patients find them too bulky and inconvenient. As an alternative to CPAP, Dr. Solly offers comfortable, non-invasive oral appliances. By slightly shifting the position of your jaw, an oral appliance keeps your airway open, allowing you to get the quality rest you need.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Loud snoring is a major symptom of sleep apnea, but there are millions of heavy snorers who don’t have sleep apnea. So when is snoring harmless and when does it indicate a disorder? When snoring is loud and severe, especially when it’s accompanied by choking or gasps for breath, this is likely a symptom of sleep apnea. An official diagnosis from a qualified sleep doctor is the only way to confirm that your snoring is a result of sleep apnea.
The Risks of Ignoring Your Sleep Apnea
If you’re suffering from sleep apnea and neglecting to seek treatment, the symptoms can seriously impact your life. Waking throughout the night can make you feel tired all day, hurting your ability to perform simple tasks. Excessive snoring can also disrupt your partner’s sleep and cause stress in your relationship.
Worst of all, untreated sleep disorders can produce long-term health problems over time such as weight gain, heart disease, and impaired memory. Don’t let sleep apnea ruin your life — call Dr. Solly today. Or, just fill in the submission form on this page and we’ll get right back to you.
