If you regularly wake up feeling unrested or worn out, you could have sleep apnea. The condition is associated with brief pauses in breathing while sleeping, which makes it difficult to achieve restful sleep. Snoring is another common symptom of sleep apnea. Dr. Andrew Parker, the experienced otolaryngologist at Parker Ear, Nose & Throat in Norwalk, CT, treats sleep apnea and snoring and can help you sleep better.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

A primary symptom of sleep apnea is brief interruptions in breathing during the night while sleeping. Pauses in breathing occur when the airway becomes temporarily blocked, often due to collapsed tissues in the throat. Collapsed tissues can also cause snoring, another symptom associated with sleep apnea.

Many people with a sleep apnea sleep disorder often don’t even realize they have the condition. However, there are several symptoms associated with the sleep disorder that could be an indication you have sleep apnea. Symptoms can include:

• Interruptions in breathing while asleep
• Feeling worn out or unrested upon waking
• Sudden choking or gasping while sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Feeling sleepy or fatigued during the day
• Irritability throughout the day
• Headaches upon waking
• Insomnia

The risk for developing sleep apnea can increase when certain factors are present, such as having a family history of the condition. Other risk factors include being middle-aged, having high blood pressure, and being obese or overweight. Additionally, men typically have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea than women.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Several methods are available for treating sleep apnea at our Norwalk, CT, ear, nose, and throat practice. Our skilled and caring doctor can recommend a specific treatment approach for you. Treatments that can be used for snoring or sleep apnea include:

Oral Appliance Therapy: A small device called an oral appliance that is similar to a mouthguard or retainer is worn in the mouth while sleeping. The device places the lower jaw in a forward position, which helps keep the airway open and prevents pauses in breathing, as well as snoring.

CPAP Treatment: The treatment utilizes Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to keep the airway open by delivering constant air pressure throughout the night using a special sleep mask connected to a machine.

Surgery: Several inpatient and outpatient surgeries are available for treating snoring and sleep apnea. Surgical options include thermal ablation, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery, and a procedure called genioglossus and hyoid advancement.

Several sleep apnea treatments and remedies are available to help you stop snoring and sleep better. For the treatment of sleep apnea in Norwalk, CT, schedule an appointment with Dr. Parker by calling Parker Ear, Nose & Throat at (203) 866-8121.