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It seems like today sleep often takes a backseat to our many daily responsibilities. However, the importance of good sleep cannot be overstated. Quality sleep is essential for our physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Despite this, many people suffer from sleep disorders that go undiagnosed and untreated due to long wait times and high costs associated with traditional sleep studies.

The Importance of Good Sleep

Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our health. It helps the body repair itself, supports brain function, and boosts our immune system. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. Moreover, lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, leading to poor decision-making, decreased productivity, and increased risk of accidents.

Recognizing the significance of good sleep is the first step toward better health. For those experiencing sleep issues, seeking a professional diagnosis and treatment is crucial. However, this is where many face significant hurdles.

The Challenges with Traditional Sleep Consultations

Hospital sleep centers are experiencing overwhelming demand, leading to lengthy wait times for consultations and studies. It’s not uncommon for patients to wait six months or more for an appointment. This delay can exacerbate health issues, decrease the quality of life, and lead to further complications.

Additionally, the cost of in-lab sleep studies conducted in hospitals can be prohibitive. These studies often run into the thousands of dollars, putting a significant financial strain on patients.

Parkway Sleep: Your Solution to Better Sleep, Sooner

At Parkway Sleep, we understand the vital role sleep plays in your life, and we are committed to helping you achieve the restful sleep you deserve without the long wait times and high costs associated with traditional sleep studies.

Quick Openings for Consultations and Sleep Studies

Unlike hospital sleep centers, Parkway Sleep offers quick openings for consultations, at-home sleep studies, and in-lab sleep studies. We recognize that waiting months for a diagnosis and treatment is not an option for many, and we strive to provide timely access to our services.

Cost-Effective Solutions

We also understand the financial burden that sleep studies can impose. Parkway Sleep provides cost-effective solutions that are often significantly less expensive than those offered by hospitals. By choosing Parkway Sleep, you can save thousands of dollars while still receiving top-quality care and accurate diagnoses.

Convenient At-Home Sleep Studies

For many patients, at-home sleep studies offer a convenient and effective alternative to in-lab studies. These studies can be conducted in the comfort of your own home, allowing you to maintain your regular sleep routine while still receiving the accurate results needed for a proper diagnosis. Parkway Sleep offers these at-home studies with immediate availability, ensuring you get the care you need without unnecessary delays.

Expert Care and Personalized Treatment Plans

At Parkway Sleep, we pride ourselves on providing expert care and personalized treatment plans. Our team of experienced sleep specialists will work with you to understand your unique sleep issues and develop a tailored plan to address them. Whether you need lifestyle recommendations, medical interventions, or continuous monitoring, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Good sleep is essential for a healthy, fulfilling life. Don’t let long wait times and high costs stand in the way of getting the sleep you need. Parkway Sleep is dedicated to providing timely, affordable, and effective sleep consultations and studies, so you can achieve the restful sleep you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better sleep and better health.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. Evaluating the root of the problem will help determine the best treatment for sleep apnea. Whatever PAP device you need, we have the perfect CPAP equipment for sale on our CPAP shop. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 to schedule an appointment. Soon you’ll get a restful night’s sleep and wake up with energy.

Brandon Giegling

President of Parkway SleepHealth Centers

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Sleep is essential for our overall well-being, yet many of us struggle with sleep-related issues at some point in our lives. Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor sleep quality, these problems can have a significant impact on our health and daily functioning. In some cases, these issues may be indicative of underlying sleep disorders that require professional attention. This is where sleep studies come into play. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the main reasons why someone might need a sleep study and how it can help improve sleep and overall health.

Suspected Sleep Disorders: One of the primary reasons for undergoing a sleep study is to diagnose or rule out sleep disorders. These disorders can range from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, to insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and parasomnias such as sleepwalking or night terrors. Sleep studies, also known as polysomnography (PSG), help healthcare providers monitor various physiological parameters during sleep, such as brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and muscle activity, to identify patterns indicative of specific sleep disorders.
Chronic Fatigue or Daytime Sleepiness: Persistent fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. While these symptoms can be caused by various factors, including poor sleep hygiene, stress, or lifestyle habits, they can also be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder. A sleep study can help determine if conditions like sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder are contributing to these symptoms, guiding appropriate treatment strategies to alleviate daytime sleepiness and improve overall well-being.
Snoring and Breathing Irregularities: While occasional snoring is common and often benign, habitual loud snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing could indicate a more serious condition like obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep studies can assess breathing patterns during sleep and identify any abnormalities that may be disrupting airflow and causing interruptions in breathing. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for better sleep but also for reducing the risk of associated health problems such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy: For individuals already diagnosed with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, or insomnia, sleep studies may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep apnea, medications for insomnia or restless leg syndrome, or lifestyle modifications may all be implemented to manage sleep-related issues. Periodic follow-up sleep studies can help assess treatment compliance and effectiveness, guiding adjustments as needed to optimize outcomes.
Assessment of Sleep Quality and Architecture: Sleep studies not only diagnose specific sleep disorders but also provide valuable insights into overall sleep quality and architecture. By monitoring different sleep stages (such as REM and non-REM sleep), sleep latency, and sleep efficiency, healthcare providers can assess the overall health of an individual’s sleep and identify any abnormalities or disruptions that may be impacting restorative sleep processes.

Sleep studies play a crucial role in diagnosing sleep disorders, evaluating treatment efficacy, and improving overall sleep quality and health. Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, daytime sleepiness, snoring, or suspected sleep disorders, undergoing a sleep study can provide valuable information and guidance for effective management and treatment. If you’re experiencing persistent sleep-related issues, don’t hesitate to discuss the possibility of a sleep study with your healthcare provider—it could be the first step toward achieving better sleep and a healthier life.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Brandon Giegling

President of Parkway SleepHealth Centers

parkwaysleep.com/

Sleep cycles can often be a mystery. Whether you wake up rested or restless, you can’t help but wonder what goes on after you close your eyes. Luckily, nowadays, many devices can help track your sleep patterns.

Sleep Apnea

CPAP machines are an excellent treatment for sleep apnea and are designed to track your sleep trends, but this only applies to those already diagnosed with sleep apnea. Therefore, undiagnosed people may need to track sleep patterns themselves.

Wrist Devices & Sleep Movement

Fitbits and Apple Watches can help. These devices and their apps aren’t meant to diagnose sleep apnea or other ailments, but they can help you recognize unhealthy patterns in your waking and sleeping hours. These wearable gadgets contain an accelerometer, which is used to detect movement. Fortunately, when you sleep restlessly, it reflects on your device.

Heart & Respiratory Rates

Many wrist-worn devices also have tools to track your heart and respiratory rates, which can help determine spikes in your sleep patterns. Most sleep trackers contain these elements crucial to pinpointing your sleep cycles. It’s important to note how much of your sleeping hours are spent in REM sleep, the deep sleep that allows your body to repair and replenish itself. Losing hours of this particular cycle can contribute to fatigue and many other health concerns, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or depression.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch must track your sleep for at least four hours per night. You can use the watch with a personalized sleep schedule that you’ve created or with the watch’s Sleep Focus setting. After compiling your sleep data, these devices and apps can construct a tailored chart of your trends. For example, the app rates your sleep a score between 1 to 100, with 100 meaning you slept wonderfully and 1 meaning you should probably head back to bed. With these charts, you can study your routines and consult your doctor regarding anything concerning you.

Fitbit

The Fitbit features are very similar to the Apple Watch. While Fitbits are less pricey, they offer much of the same data. Not to mention their batteries are known to last longer. Regardless of your device, utilize these features to see the bigger picture regarding your sleep habits.

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Is your device indicating you might have a sleep disorder or are looking for a treatment for sleep apnea? Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. After a complete evaluation, our team can recommend a treatment plan that will have you sleeping soundly through the night in no time. Contact us today at 919-439-3463.

Parkway Sleep

Roughly 25% of adults suffer from sleep apnea. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is PAP therapy (positive airway pressure therapy) which delivers air through a mask to help steady breathing while asleep. The CPAP machine is the most common, offering consistent airflow. A BiPAP machine works the same but offers different air pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation. These machines are generally used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

When is ASV Therapy Used?

ASV therapy is used to treat central sleep apnea. Both central and obstructive sleep apnea involves irregular breathing patterns during sleep, but their causes are unrelated. While obstructive sleep apnea happens because of a blockage in the airway, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain and the muscles that control breathing do not correlate properly.

The failure of the brain to trigger the respiratory muscles, also known as an apneic event, is when an ASV machine is used. This therapy often helps those suffering from central sleep apnea resolve the issue over time. The machine trains the body to breathe correctly without forcing the airflow when it isn’t necessary, which in turn allows your body to pick the pace and learn from its mistakes. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, but occasionally this issue can correct itself with treatment.

ASV vs. PAP Machines

ASV machines must be adjusted and modified for the individual. They differ from PAP machines because they monitor breathing while the person sleeps, customizing the air pressure delivered to help steady their breathing. By contrast, CPAP and BiPAP machines provide a consistent, generic airflow.

What is an ASV Machine?

ASV machines include the machine, the mask, and the hose that connects the two. There are also different styles of masks, such as mouth and nose coverings or just the nose. While the machine monitors throughout the night, the machine responds when breathing slows, pushing air flow with enough pressure to regain a steady breathing pattern. Once the target pattern is reached, the machine’s pressure automatically lowers, often still providing a continuous flow, but with much less force, to maintain consistent and repetitive breathing.

If CPAP is uncomfortable for you, or your sleep apnea doesn’t respond well to the treatment, ASV therapy might be a good alternative. In addition, the flexibility in air pressure can be more soothing to sleep with instead of the steady airflow given by the other machines.

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Are you having difficulty getting a good night’s sleep? Do you wake up tired, or does your partner complain about you snoring? You could have a sleep disorder, and Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. After an evaluation, our expert team can recommend a treatment for sleep apnea, insomnia, snoring, or other sleep-related disorder. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment.

Parkway Sleep

Sleep apnea is a severe condition, and treatment is developed specifically for your needs. Some methods are more involved than others. Using the treatment for sleep apnea that provides the best results is essential to one’s health. This article will discuss some of the treatment options out there and when they are used.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Machines

One standard sleep apnea treatment is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP machines allow many suffering from apnea to achieve the sleep typically denied. It is not the only method; however, Automatic Positive Airway Pressure, or APAP, is another potential treatment for sleep apnea. Knowing the best option will help ensure proper treatment and comfort when using such a machine.

The Difference Between CPAP vs. APAP

The main difference between the two machines is that CPAP maintains a fixed pressure level while APAP adjusts to different levels. In addition, CPAP machines provide continuous airflow, while APAP does not. We sell masks, tubes, filters, and more for both CPAP and APAP on our CPAP store.

The Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to both machines. CPAPs tend to be cheaper and are regarded as the most effective treatment for sleep apnea in most cases. In addition, most users prefer consistent airflow. On the downside, CPAPs are more challenging to adjust when changing breathing patterns exist, but constant airflow can make exhaling tricky.

APAPs are easier to adapt to in most cases, are much friendlier for sufferers of nasal congestion due to allergies, and are an excellent choice for people who move around a lot in their sleep. As for cons, they are more expensive than CPAP machines and are not recommended for people with pulmonary conditions. In addition, air pressure changes have been known to wake users from time to time.

Both machines have their advantages and disadvantages. CPAPs are more commonly available, affordable, and proven as an effective treatment for sleep apnea in most cases. They are not easy to adjust, though, and can take some getting used to at night. On the other hand, APAPs are usually more expensive, but they are more adjustable and offer better mobility at night. They are also easier to get used to, but the pressure changes might annoy some users.

In either case, a careful and thorough discussion with a medical expert will help ensure the best possible treatment for sleep apnea on a case-by-case basis and the best way to obtain a good night’s sleep once again.

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Are you getting a good night’s sleep? Are you waking up tired and lethargic? Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. Our professionals work with the client to develop a treatment for sleep apnea that works for the client and obtains the best results. Be sure to visit our CPAP shop for all your CPAP and APAP equipment needs. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 to schedule an appointment.

Parkway Sleep

Sleep can be a trickier prospect than some people realize. One has to fall asleep, stay asleep, and then wake rested and energized for the new day. At any point in this process, problems can occur. Those problems easily result in improper or lack of sleep. These issues are genuine for those with medical conditions like sleep apnea. Apnea can make it extremely difficult to obtain a good night’s sleep, but what causes it in the first place? It depends on the kinds of apnea at work. This article will discuss the causes and the best treatment for sleep apnea.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two common forms of sleep apnea, obstructive and central. Knowing the best treatment will depend on what form it takes.

Obstructive Apnea

Obstructive apnea is a result of brief, interrupted breathing. The muscles in the back of the throat become too relaxed, blocking the airway, and as a result, breathing is stopped. The body then wakes up to prevent asphyxiation –recent research has led some to believe a similar issue causes sudden infant death syndrome. This constant repetition of falling asleep and waking up prevents proper rest.

Central Apnea

Central apnea is neurological in nature and involves the brain not communicating correctly to airway muscles, preventing proper breathing while asleep. This form of apnea is common among stroke survivors. It is also found in persons with heart disease, kidney failure, or using certain opioids.

Other Causes

Apnea can also have other causes and can create all manner of issues, such as high blood pressure. Obesity, smoking, and chronic nasal congestion are potential causes of sleep apnea.

Symptoms

Knowing the warning signs provides an excellent start to finding the best treatment for sleep apnea. For example, loud snoring, insomnia, waking up with a dry mouth, and waking up snorting or gasping for breath are common signs of sleep apnea.

Regardless of the form sleep apnea takes, it is a severe condition that requires treatment. Talking to an expert and testing can confirm the type of apnea one is suffering, and then the proper treatment can be implemented.

It can be hard enough to ensure a good night’s sleep. Having to deal with constant interruptions from apnea makes it nearly impossible to enjoy restful sleep and can create further health issues. Don’t ignore the signs. Determine the cause, and seek the best treatment for sleep apnea depending on the cause and kind suffered. That is the best plan to ensure apnea concerns are put to rest.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Parkway Sleep

Whether hopping on a plane or loading up the car, lugging your CPAP machine with you will take some additional arrangements. Of course, leaving it behind would be easier, but don’t ruin your trip. One night without your machine can flare up those pesky sleep apnea symptoms and keep you from feeling like yourself on vacation. So instead, prepare your CPAP machine for traveling.

Tips for Traveling with a CPAP

Test Equipment

Before departing on a trip, test the CPAP equipment to ensure it is in good working order. Check all attachments for wear and tear and replace any worn or damaged items. If you find any worn or damaged CPAP accessories before your trip, replace them on our CPAP shop.

Moisture-Free Equipment

Ensure all the equipment is dry before packing it. Bacteria and mold can form in moist places, and you don’t want to be breathing in that.

Distilled Water

Even if you’re heading to a high-end resort, bring bottled distilled water. It’s crucial that you only use distilled water in your machine. Tap and spring water contain minerals that can clog up your machine, causing it to malfunction. Also, bring some CPAP wipes, so you don’t waste your bottled water cleaning your device.

Power Supply

The power supply might not be sufficient, depending on where you’re heading. Make sure your power cord works with the outlets where you’re going, and bring a backup battery pack. You never know when you’ll run low or have an unexpected power outage. Invest in a DC converter, an adaptor that can be used with USB ports, car cigarette lighters, or solar power to enhance your power supply options.

Air Travel

When flying with your CPAP machine, it’s good to know whether the model you have is approved for in-flight use – most of them are these days. Check your luggage, not your CPAP. Keep it on the plane with you. Luggage occasionally gets misplaced, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you travel often, consider investing in a portable machine with waterless humidification to avoid packing water bottles.

When going through security in the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind that will make it go smoothly. First, TSA agents see these machines regularly and have every right to inspect them. Pack the machine in a clear plastic bag and include a medical device ID tag. Also, if they choose to remove the machine from its packaging, always request they put on new gloves.

Carry a copy of your prescription in your luggage. Although you might not need it, you never know.

Extra Supplies

Carrying extra supplies could be helpful, even on short trips. It’s better to be over-prepared—extra supplies can include mask cushions, filters, headgear, extra batteries, and an extension cord.

Medical Alert Wallet Card

A medical alert wallet card could easily save your life – especially if you are traveling alone. This health history information is vital for first responders treating you if you become unresponsive.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you getting a good night’s sleep every night? Parkway Sleep Help Centers can help. Our experts can evaluate your sleep and recommend a treatment plan, including a CPAP machine and accessories like CPAP masks, if required. So contact us today at 919-439-3463 or visit the site to schedule an appointment and start feeling refreshed and energized in the morning after a truly restful night’s sleep.

Parkway Sleep

People who have sleep apnea often use a machine to help them breathe while they sleep. Most people have heard about these machines, or at least one of them – the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). But there are other machines used. Another is called the BiPAP. So, what is a BiPAP machine?

The BiPAP Machine

A BiPAP machine, or a Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure machine, helps to regulate breathing on two levels: one for inhaling and one for exhaling. It’s designed to force pressurized air through a BiPAP mask and into the upper airway. This forced air benefits those with respiratory problems or breathing conditions such as sleep apnea.

The machine provides two different levels of air pressure. One is for inhaling, which is known as IPAP, or inspiratory positive airway pressure. The other is for exhaling, also known as EPAP, or expiratory positive airway pressure. The air pressure for inhalation is notably higher than for exhaling. The higher pressure helps the tissue around the upper airway remain unblocked, reduces pauses in breathing and snoring, and can aid in regulating sleep patterns.

PAP Therapies

Everyone’s condition is different, and each individual needs specific treatment, but there is no shortage of PAP therapy options. Consulting a sleep specialist is the first step because a prescription is required to obtain a PAP device. Then, the specialist will determine the treatment option based on your specific condition.

Machine Options

These machines have many ways to help with sleep apnea and many other breathing disorders and respiratory issues. This high-pressure machine is often used to replace others unable to deliver sufficient air to the lungs. Sometimes CPAP, APAP, or ASV machines are not enough for some respiratory conditions – that’s when BiPAP machines are used.

The BiPAP machines have also benefited Covid-19 patients with acute lung function loss. While this machine isn’t a treatment for the virus itself, it does help to maintain consistent breathing patterns. This is called noninvasive respiratory support, and it keeps patients from having to hook up to a mechanical ventilator or utilize intubation.

The machine has a few other components as well. The device that pressurizes the air is where it all begins, then the air is fed through a hose attached to the machine, and on the other end is the BiPAP mask. These BiPAP masks deliver air through the mouth, nose, or both, depending on the one you have. We sell various BIPAP masks and accessories on our CPAP shop. Lastly, a filter purifies the air and a humidifier that heats it slightly as it funnels through the machine.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you wake in the morning but do not feel rested? You may have a sleeping disorder. Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. After an evaluation, our professional staff can recommend the proper treatment and the equipment for your CPAP device. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment.

Parkway Sleep

CPAP machines are great for helping people with obstructive sleep apnea allowing them to get restful sleep every night. However, all that moisture in the facial mask and attached tubing are a breeding ground for bacteria. To avoid breathing in harmful bacteria, you must make sure that you know how to clean your CPAP machine.

Healthy Sleeping Tips: Cleaning CPAP Machinery

Regularly cleaning CPAP machinery will ensure that dust, mold, and dangerous microbes are removed from the mask, tubing, and humidifier tub. In addition, this regular cleaning will help to ensure that you are not breathing in harmful dust and debris, which can cause coughs, congestion, and other issues. A regular cleaning routine will also help to ensure that your CPAP equipment remains functional for longer, saving you money and the disruption involved in sourcing a new machine. If you have a mask that’s suffering in quality due to lack of cleanliness replace it with CPAP equipment from our shop! Luckily, daily cleaning of a CPAP machine is a simple and straightforward process that you should be able to fit into your schedule without any trouble.

How Often Should You Be Cleaning CPAP Machinery?

Most experts and CPAP manufacturers recommend that you should be cleaning CPAP machinery each day. However, many people can’t keep a daily routine, so at the bare minimum, you should make sure your CPAP machine is cleaned weekly.

CPAP Machine Cleaning Guide

Before you get started, you will need to gather some cleaning equipment to clean each part of the CPAP machine properly.

Equipment for Cleaning CPAP Machinery

Warm water that is drinking quality.
A mild, unscented dish soap.
White vinegar for cleaning the humidifier chamber.
A clean towel that is not abrasive and will not leave fluff on your machine.
A large enough tub, bucket, or sink to contain your CPAP tubing or hose.

Step 1 – Disassemble your CPAP Machine

Make sure that your machine is unplugged from the power source. If your device has a battery, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to disassemble the equipment. Then disconnect the air hose and tubing from your mask and the machine. You should also remove the water chamber from the humidifier, if applicable.

Step 2 – Cleaning Your CPAP Mask

Most CPAP masks contain three parts that can be disassembled for cleaning – the headgear, the frame, and the cushion. Separating these three pieces makes the cleaning and drying process more manageable. Wash each part with mild soap, and pay particular attention to the headgear and cushion, as these areas can quickly become stained by hair and face oils.

Step 3 – How to Clean CPAP Machine Air Tubes and Hoses

Clean the tubing and hoses with warm water and soap. Make sure to submerge the thing in a bucket or sink so that water flows through the whole interior of the tube. You should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if you have a hose with electrical or heating parts.

Step 4 – Cleaning for a CPAP Machine Humidifier Chamber

Ensure the humidifier chamber is sanitized by filling it with warm water and white vinegar (1 part vinegar and 1 part warm water). Leave it to soak for a while so the vinegar can effectively clean.

Step 5 – Leave to Dry and Reassemble

Once you have washed each part, rinse them with soap-free water and leave them to dry. Check for any remaining soap bubbles and rinse thoroughly. Then set all the parts on the towel to air dry and hang up the hoses and tubing from a shower rail or doorway. Your last step is to carefully reassemble the parts of the machine once they are dry.

Cleaning CPAP machinery is not a complicated or time-consuming process; once you have done it a few times, you should find it easy and quick to do. Follow the steps above, and your equipment will be clean and safe to use for a long time.

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Are you getting restful sleep every night? If not, Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. Our professionals can find the source of your sleeping difficulties and recommend a treatment plan. If you already have CPAP equipment but you’re not comfortable sleeping with it, review our CPAP accessory shop! Contact us for an evaluation at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment, so we can help you have restful sleep.

Parkway Sleep

By Staff
Date: December 5, 2022

Sleep is essential to maintain a healthy body and mind. When a person wakes up several times a night and feels too exhausted the following day to function well, they may have sleep apnea. To diagnose this condition, visit a physician or clinic specializing in sleep disorders for an evaluation to receive proper treatment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

There are two different forms of sleep apnea. The first is obstructive sleep apnea. This condition happens when the upper respiratory tract becomes plugged, decreasing or even stopping airflow. In this case, the brain signals a person to wake up so they can breathe properly.

The second type of sleep disorder, central sleep apnea, is when the brain does not send the proper signals to the lungs to breathe and is usually caused by health conditions affecting the chest muscles and the airway.

Why Would Someone Get Sleep Apnea?

Obesity is one of the causes, as it can narrow the airway. If the patient has never had their tonsils removed and they are large, they can block the airway when lying down. Changing hormone levels can cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more common as people age. While lifestyle adjustments can help, these are long-term adjustments. Sleep apnea is affecting the patient now and needs to be addressed immediately.

Should Sleep Apnea Be Treated?

While sleep apnea is not a life-threatening condition, it can lead to some severe health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, getting this condition treated quickly is essential to prevent it from damaging one’s health in the long run.

How Can a CPAP for Sleep Apnea Help?

CPAP is short for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.” While using the machine, the affected person wears a mask that makes breathing easier. As a result, their sleep isn’t interrupted, and they get a better night’s rest every night.

How to Be Diagnosed for Sleep Apnea & Get Help

If someone is worried about why they aren’t sleeping well at night, a sleep clinic physician can properly diagnose the condition. Usually this is done with a sleep study. Once there is a proper diagnosis, the physician can discuss a treatment plan with the patient. Most likely, this will involve lifestyle changes and using a CPAP for sleep apnea machine each night of the week. Patients new to sleep apnea are recommended to buy CPAP equipment at our shop to increase their comfort while resting.

Getting used to using a CPAP for sleep apnea machine requires a slight adjustment period, but it will be worth it. There can be no better gift than feeling alert, energized, and ready to start the day.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you constantly feeling tired after a night’s sleep? Have you been told you snore loudly or stop breathing while you sleep? Parkway Sleep Health Centers can help. Our professional staff can evaluate your sleep patterns, diagnose your condition, and prepare a treatment plan. If that plan includes a CPAP for sleep apnea machine, we can help you obtain a prescription and CPAP accessories. Contact us at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment today.

Parkway Sleep

Blog

The Importance of Good Sleep

The Challenges with Traditional Sleep Consultations

Parkway Sleep: Your Solution to Better Sleep, Sooner

Quick Openings for Consultations and Sleep Studies

Cost-Effective Solutions

Convenient At-Home Sleep Studies

Expert Care and Personalized Treatment Plans

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Sleep Apnea

Wrist Devices & Sleep Movement

Heart & Respiratory Rates

Apple Watch

Fitbit

Parkway Sleep Health Center

When is ASV Therapy Used?

ASV vs. PAP Machines

What is an ASV Machine?

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Machines

The Difference Between CPAP vs. APAP

The Pros and Cons

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Apnea

Central Apnea

Other Causes

Symptoms

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Tips for Traveling with a CPAP

Test Equipment

Moisture-Free Equipment

Distilled Water

Power Supply

Air Travel

Extra Supplies

Medical Alert Wallet Card

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

The BiPAP Machine

PAP Therapies

Machine Options

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Healthy Sleeping Tips: Cleaning CPAP Machinery

How Often Should You Be Cleaning CPAP Machinery?

CPAP Machine Cleaning Guide

Equipment for Cleaning CPAP Machinery

Step 1 – Disassemble your CPAP Machine

Step 2 – Cleaning Your CPAP Mask

Step 3 – How to Clean CPAP Machine Air Tubes and Hoses

Step 4 – Cleaning for a CPAP Machine Humidifier Chamber

Step 5 – Leave to Dry and Reassemble

Parkway Sleep Health Center

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Why Would Someone Get Sleep Apnea?

Should Sleep Apnea Be Treated?

How Can a CPAP for Sleep Apnea Help?

How to Be Diagnosed for Sleep Apnea & Get Help

Parkway Sleep Health Centers