Sleep Apnea & 
(281) 363-2770Obstructive Sleep Apnea – The Woodlands, TX
Helping You Breathe Easier and Sleep Better Every Night
Sleep apnea is quite a widespread problem; in fact, it’s estimated that over 30 million people in the US alone have the condition, with many cases remaining completely undiagnosed and untreated! But sleep apnea doesn’t just rob you of sleep—it can affect your overall quality of life, meaning treatment is always warranted. Here at our practice, Dr. Dernick and our team deliver sleep apnea treatment that truly makes a difference—helping you and your loved ones get the rest you need to truly excel and live happily and healthily. If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule a consultation, simply reach out today.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
There are two types of sleep apnea: central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to cause the body to breathe while it’s sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), on the other hand, is the most common form of the disorder, and it refers to when a person experiences pauses in their breathing at night due to tissues in the airway creating a blockage. A person with OSA might even stop breathing dozens or hundreds of times in a given night!
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A number of different issues can cause airway blockages that often indicate sleep apnea:
- Excess fat, especially around the neck, can lead to obstructions in the upper airway.
- Anatomical abnormalities, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, can interfere with airflow.
- Smoking irritates the issues in the throat and can easily worsen OSA.
- Nasal congestion that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, whether because of allergies or other problems, increases your risk of OSA.
Possible Complications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can have some pretty severe, life-altering effects, many of which can affect your ability to function day to day. Some of the complications that can occur include:
- Increased risk of drowsy driving
- Increased risk of stroke or heart attack
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Moodiness and irritability
- Chronic fatigue
- Bedwetting
- Loss of libido
- Regular headaches and migraines
When Should You See a Doctor?
Knowing when to seek treatment for your sleep apnea may not always be obvious, especially if you don’t live with someone who can tell you if you snore or stop breathing during the night. However, if you or someone you love notices any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule an appointment with us so we can determine an appropriate course of action:
- You snore loudly and frequently
- A loved one has observed you stop breathing while you’re sleeping
- You sometimes wake up gasping for air
- You always seem tired despite getting around 8 hours of sleep
Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is not something you have to endure needlessly—many types of treatment options exist that can improve your situation:
Oral Appliance Treatment
Oral appliance treatment has become very popular due to the portability, comfort, and convenience of these devices. They’re customized according to each patient’s oral and facial structures, and they help to shift the jaw to prevent the collapse of the soft tissues, keeping the airway open at night.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP therapy is what most people envision when talking about sleep apnea treatment. This method involves a mask that’s worn over the mouth and nose that is connected to the machine via a hose, which sends pressurized air to the patient to keep their airway open.
Combination Therapy
Combination therapy incorporates both CPAP and oral appliance treatment, and this method is known to reduce the number of times a person wakes up throughout the night as a result of obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP is adjusted to a lower setting, and the oral appliance is worn simultaneously to help keep the airway open—plus, it means patients are less likely to be disturbed by their CPAP.