The Silent Struggle: Understanding Why Your Sleep Apnea Might Be Worsening

sleep apnea treatments at Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood and Murfreesboro TN

Living with sleep apnea can be a challenging journey. If you’re among the millions diagnosed with this disorder, you’re likely well-versed in the hallmark snorts and gasps that punctuate the night and the ensuing daytime fog that can feel as heavy as a winter’s blanket. But what happens when the blanket thickens, the fog grows denser, and the struggle intensifies?

Today, we dive into the potential reasons your sleep apnea may be worsening and the treatments provided by Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood and Murfreesboro TN that offer a path to tranquil nights once more.

Understanding Sleep Apnea’s Progression

Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. It’s a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time. Initially, you might experience mild symptoms that gradually exacerbate – louder snoring, longer pauses in breathing, and more frequent waking. But why does this happen?

Weight and Sleep Apnea: The Uncomfortable Partnership

A significant factor influencing the progression of sleep apnea is weight. For many, the condition is closely linked to obesity, as excess weight around the neck can restrict the airway. As weight increases, so too can the symptoms of sleep apnea, akin to a vicious cycle with fatigue-induced inactivity feeding into weight gain.

Age-Related Changes in Sleep Apnea

The passage of time doesn’t always heal; in fact, it can exacerbate sleep apnea. Age-related muscle tone loss, especially in the throat area, can soften and collapse the airway, making older individuals more susceptible to obstructive sleep apnea.

Uncovering Genetic and Anatomical Components

Certain anatomical features could predispose an individual to sleep apnea, such as having a naturally small upper airway, a large tongue, or a deviated septum. These factors can contribute to not just developing the disorder, but to its progression as well.

Recognizing the Worsening Symptoms

It’s paramount to recognize the signs of worsening sleep apnea to take preventive action. Increased daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and more frequent awakenings during the night are all red flags.

The Role of Diagnosis in Understanding Progression

Regular check-ups with our sleep apnea experts can help track the progression of your sleep apnea. Diagnosis tools like polysomnography can provide the data needed to understand the severity and evolution of your condition.

our Path to a Better Night’s Sleep: Treatment Options

The good news? Understanding the triggers and symptoms of worsening sleep apnea can lead to effective treatments. Here are some options to explore at Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood and Murfreesboro TN

The Role of Diagnosis in Understanding Progression

Regular check-ups with a sleep specialist can help track the progression of your sleep apnea. Diagnosis tools like polysomnography can provide the data needed to understand the severity and evolution of your condition.

Lifestyle Modifications to Mitigate Sleep Apnea

Simple lifestyle changes like losing weight, avoiding alcohol or sedatives, and quitting smoking can have a profound impact on your sleep apnea. For many, these shifts can halt or reverse the condition’s progression.

CPAP: The Gold Standard in Sleep Apnea Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) involves wearing a mask that delivers a gentle stream of air to keep the airway open. It’s considered the most effective nonsurgical treatment for sleep apnea.

Oral Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Mandibular advancement devices, a kind of oral appliance, work by moving the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open.

Worsening sleep apnea can be a frightening prospect, but knowledge is power. By understanding the potential causes and symptoms of progression, you’re empowered to seek out the most suitable treatment options offered by our Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions team.

Contact Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions:

615-558-4486

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

1177 Old Hickory Blvd, Suite 203
Brentwood, TN 37027

1605 Medical Center Pkwy, Suite 215
Murfreesboro, TN 37129