In this week's audio blog, I talked to otolaryngologist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Mark Agrama. He explains why sleep is essential and what can be done if a patient suffers from sleep apnea.
As Dr. Agrama explains that we sleep for a third of our lives. It contributes to both physical and mental health, and when we get a good night's sleep, it helps our days run much more smoothly. On the other hand, if you're getting little sleep or have problems with your sleep, then fatigue may not be the only issue. It's most likely that you have other health ailments as well.
Modern-day lifestyle contributes to people's sleep issues. Dr. Agrama explains, "Since industrial times, we've adjusted to light, and light is a big disruptor." This active lifestyle and constant screen use is a factor with sleep issues.
Another severe topic is sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing repeatedly starts and stops. Due to awareness, Dr. Agrama agrees that diagnoses for sleep apnea are on the rise.
Although excessive weight can trigger sleep apnea, Dr. Agrama warns that anyone can suffer from the disorder. As a matter of fact, "Healthy appearing, normal-weight patients are having significant issues."
Obstructive sleep apnea (the most common form) causes a patient to have repeated problems breathing through one's nose and throat. Dr. Agrama explains that "Airflow is almost completely cut-off, or cut-off enough that their blood oxygen is reduced for 10 seconds or longer."
Although it is not uncommon for a partner to witness sleep apnea, some patients are unaware that they suffer from the disorder, so it's crucial to be tested if you suspect you're not getting a good night's sleep.
Here are some signs that you should be tested for sleep apnea: snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, clenching/grinding teeth, any issue that is worse in the morning like dry throat, cough, or hoarseness. Other warning signs may seem unrelated to sleep apnea, such as frequent nighttime bathroom trips.
Dr. Agrama understands that some patients are wary of being tested for sleep apnea. It used to be the norm for a patient to go into a sleep lab, be wired up from head to toe, and spend the night in a strange place while being monitored by doctors. Now, home sleep studies are preferred. They're easy, accurate, economical, and allow patients to sleep from the comfort of their beds. Many different devices are available that determine if a patient suffers from sleep apnea.
Dr. Agrama admits that "The gold standard for treatment is CPAP when treating sleep apnea." The CPAP machine is a device that patients wear while sleeping that helps them breathe normally. It has an 80% success rate.
The remaining 20% will be thankful for their ENT surgeons. Dr. Agmara explains his excitement about the Inspire stimulator, "which is a pacemaker for the (nerve of the) tongue," and moves the tongue forward to ensure a clear breathing pathway. Its success rate and patient satisfaction are high.
If you suspect that you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, take the time to listen to Dr. Agamra's comprehensive audio blog on the subject. Call your local South Florida ENT office for a consultation today.
