Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway collapses during sleep and blocks the flow of oxygen to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes the body up just long enough to take a breath, then falls back asleep. This cycle repeats throughout the night and causes poor, disruptive sleep.
Treating a Sleep Disorder
Untreated sleep disorders can increase your risk for certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Based on your diagnosis and symptoms, our specialists at the Blessing Sleep Center will recommend one or more treatments.
Some sleep disorders require long-term management. Your doctor may recommend:
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Lifestyle changes, as weight loss can improve sleep quality for many people
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A mouthpiece to allow for more regular breathing patterns while sleeping
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Surgery to correct your breathing, including a procedure to trim excess tissue in the back of your mouth and throat and widen your airway
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Breathing devices to wear while you sleep, which can successfully treat sleep conditions such as sleep apnea
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Inspire therapy, an obstructive sleep apnea treatment option for those who cannot use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. Inspire provides mild stimulation to open the patient’s airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. Once the Inspire device is implanted, the patient comes to the Blessing Sleep Center to have it activated and adjusted to their individual need for airway stimulation. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment or refer a patient, call (217) 277-5390.
