Sleep Apnea Treatment – Plano, TX
Overcome the Condition Keeping You from Adequate Sleep
Do you struggle to wake up? Are you moody when others approach you? Do you find it difficult to focus on the task at hand? All of these issues can be linked back to what is known as sleep apnea. Affecting millions of Americans, sleep apnea remains largely undiagnosed (an estimated 80%), causing people to experience fatigue at a higher rate while suffering the consequences in their personal and professional lives. Our team at Star Sleep & Wellness in Plano want to change that by delivering solutions to improve sleep patterns and overall health. By analyzing data, diagnosing the problem, treating the condition, and following up with patients, we can help people embrace a better quality of life through sleep apnea treatment in Plano. Call us to schedule a consultation and learn more.
The Fundamentals of Sleep Apnea
When a person experiences sleep apnea, their airway becomes obstructed, making it impossible for air to flow. As a result, they stop breathing. This causes the body to alert the brain that it needs to breathe. Suddenly, the individual wakes, often gasping for air. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea, and with it, these episodes can occur once or hundreds of times each night. Over time, a person can experience extreme health problems that range from the development of diabetes to heart attack or stroke.
Sleep Apnea and Its Origins
Knowing what causes sleep apnea isn’t always easy if you’re unaware of the risk factors, some of which include individuals who:
- Are overweight or obese
- Have fat accumulations around the neck
- Have a genetic predisposition
- Consume excessive amounts of alcohol
- Smoke or use tobacco products
- Possess enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils
- Have a narrow airway
The Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many of the signs associated with sleep apnea can be easily attributed to other disorders. This is why it’s important that you know what to look for so that you can get the help you need. Common sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Moodiness
- Loss of libido
- Chronic fatigue
- Regular headaches
- Anxiety/depression
- Sore throat
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination at night
- Gasping for air throughout the night
The Three Forms of Sleep Apnea
When discussing sleep apnea with our team, you will learn there are three types that include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea.
- Obstructive sleep apnea is the result of a blockage in the airway that ceases breathing for 10 or more seconds. The person wakes suddenly, gasping for air. This process can occur multiple times each night. As the most common type of sleep apnea, it affects millions of Americans and is often under or misdiagnosed.
- Central sleep apnea is the result of a disconnect between the body and the brain. When a blockage occurs in the airway, the brain is unable to trigger the body to breathe. This can create a serious problem that often results in a person choking on air when they suddenly wake.
- Complex sleep apnea patients have both CSA and OSA, which is extremely rare.
How We Formally Diagnose Sleep Apnea
Patients who visit our sleep center in Plano can expect our team to pay close attention to their needs. We recognize that living with any kind of sleep disorder can be challenging and exhausting. This is why we are pleased to provide our own sleep lab. Instead of sending you to a different physician or location, we make it easy by referring you to our in-house sleep testing site. There, we will ensure you are closely monitored while asleep. Some of the data we collect include breathing patterns and heart rate.
There is also the option of having an at-home sleep study, which will be recommended if it is believed your sleep apnea is not tied to a more serious health condition. Easy to use, we will send you home with a device that you will wear while asleep. It will monitor your vitals throughout the night.
No matter which type of sleep test is recommended, our sleep physicians will analyze the data and provide a formal diagnosis.
Is Sleep Apnea Treatment Covered by Insurance?
The only type of insurance that will cover sleep apnea treatment is medical. When preparing to use your policy to cover the expenses, our team will review your plan and determine how best to maximize your benefits. We are currently in-network with Tricare and Medicare, and we accept plans from other healthcare providers. With a pre-authorization that our team will obtain, we will help to lower the costs as well as explain if any additional expenses will incur.