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Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Los Angeles

Home | Sleep Disorders | Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Diagnose & Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Do you wake up feeling tired and groggy even if you’ve had proper sleep? Do you have headaches in the morning? Are you unable to concentrate on tasks? Have you been told by your sleep partner that you snore way too much? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, there’s a strong chance you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a common condition affecting up to 31% of men and 21% of women in the United States. While those numbers are fairly large, it’s widely understood that the actual number is likely much higher because most cases of sleep apnea remain undiagnosed. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of heart attack, depression, stroke, etc.

At Tower Sleep Medicine, we perform a series of advanced tests to diagnose and eventually treat obstructive sleep apnea in Los Angeles.

About Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is an extremely common sleep disorder that affects your ability to breathe steadily while sleeping. OSA occurs when the muscles in your throat relax while sleeping, making your airway collapse. When your airway collapses, you can’t breathe air into your lungs, reducing the overall volume of oxygen in your bloodstream. As your brain senses the lack of oxygen, it briefly rouses you awake as you find yourself gasping for air. Most patients fall right back to sleep after gasping for air, and the process repeats itself.

Signs & Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Excessive sleepiness during the day.
Loud and persistent snoring.
Abruptly waking up, gasping for air.
Dry mouth or a sore throat.
Constant headaches.
Inability to concentrate.
Nighttime sweating.
Irritability.
High blood pressure.

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Risk Factors

Obesity.
Genetically narrow airways.
Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Smoking.
Diabetes.
Family history of sleep apnea.
Men over 40.
Women over 50.

Long-Term Complications

Severe daytime drowsiness and fatigue.
Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).
Cardiovascular problems.
Diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Glaucoma and other eye conditions.
Stroke.
Depression.

Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

You will begin our sleep apnea treatment in Los Angeles with your specialist performing a series of evaluation tests to identify the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. During the physical examination, the doctor inspects your oral cavities and nose to identify possible anomalies that may cause sleep apnea. After the initial tests, the doctor may recommend the following diagnostic options — home sleep testing or in-lab sleep study.

Home Sleep Testing

Home sleep testing refers to a sleep test that can be performed in your home. You’ll be given a special electronic device and instructed on how to wear it during the test. When you sleep, the device will measure your airflow, blood oxygen level, heart rate, and other necessary parameters. The information gathered from the home sleep test is sent to the sleep specialist for interpretation.

In-Lab Sleep Study

An in-lab sleep study may be necessary if the home sleep study results are inconclusive. Our overnight diagnostic room is luxuriously designed for your comfort, complete with a flat-screen TV. When you’re ready to sleep, our sleep technologist attaches the necessary sensors to your body to measure your brainwaves, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and legs/arms movements.

Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

At Tower Sleep Medicine, we run comprehensive tests to ensure accurate results before curating a treatment plan. Our sleep specialists discuss all your treatment options, allowing you to make an informed choice about your treatment journey.

Lifestyle Changes

Individuals who are overweight can reduce their BMI.
Exercise regularly.
Minimize alcohol consumption.
Stop smoking.
Changing your sleep position.
Avoiding sleeping pills or sedatives.

Positive Airway Pressure Therapy

Positive Airway Pressure Therapy refers to a range of treatments wherein a stream of compressed air is delivered via a mask to prevent your airway from collapsing during your sleep. This treatment involves wearing a sleep apnea mask while sleeping.

Oral Device

Oral devices are a suitable alternative to CPAP therapy, ideal for individuals with mild or moderate sleep apnea. Oral devices are designed to keep your throat open, bring your jaws forward, hold your tongue in a different position, or make other adjustments that minimize snoring and ensure smooth air circulation and breathing.

Surgical Treatments

If all other methods and treatments fail, patients may also undergo surgical procedures to modify the soft tissues in the throat to prevent the airways from collapsing.

Find out more, contact us to schedule your consultation with an experienced sleep apnea doctor in Los Angeles today.