Sleep Apnea Education
Sleep apnea occurs when a person experiences repetitive interruptions in their breathing during sleep, leading to potentially serious consequences.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can pose long-term health risks, such as cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, daytime fatigue, and even diminished cognitive function. Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder with three primary types: obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. Our team at Complete Health Sleep SoCal is here to help educate you about sleep apnea and provide the information you need regarding this condition.
You can trust that our sleep professionals will listen to you with our patient-focused approach. Our team takes pride in providing excellent care.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, leading to repeated partial or complete blockages of the upper airway. These blockages result in loud snoring and, more importantly, the temporary cessation of breathing, which can happen multiple times throughout the night. Fortunately, oral device therapy has been proven to effectively treat OSA.
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, or UARS, is a sleep-related breathing disorder that sits on the same spectrum as snoring and sleep apnea — but often goes undiagnosed because it doesn't always show up the way apnea does on a standard sleep study. Instead of the airway fully collapsing, it narrows just enough to increase resistance to airflow, forcing you to work harder to breathe throughout the night.
That extra effort causes repeated brief arousals from deep sleep — often too subtle to remember in the morning — which can leave you feeling exhausted, foggy, or unrested even after a full night in bed.
Common signs of UARS include:
- Chronic fatigue or daytime sleepiness, despite adequate time asleep
- Frequent waking or restless, non-refreshing sleep
- Morning headaches, dry mouth, or jaw tightness
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
- A low or normal score on standard sleep apnea tests, despite ongoing symptoms
Because UARS can be missed by traditional apnea screening, it often requires evaluation by a physician or sleep specialist to identify. At Complete Health Sleep SoCal, we can screen for signs of sleep-disordered breathing and coordinate with the diagnosing provider — then, as part of a coordinated plan, we offer treatment options like oral appliance therapy or myofunctional therapy to help address the underlying airway resistance.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a less common but equally concerning type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the brain fails to transmit the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This results in the temporary suspension of breathing during sleep. CSA is often associated with underlying medical conditions, such as heart failure or certain neurological problems. Recognizing the differences between these two types of sleep apnea is crucial for understanding effective treatment options, and our practice is proudly here to support you through that process.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, is a relatively rare condition that presents a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. It typically occurs when someone with pre-existing obstructive sleep apnea starts using a CPAP device. Instead of improvement, they experience an increase in central apneas. It’s important to understand this condition thoroughly, as treatment approaches may differ from those for typical obstructive sleep apnea.
Treat Sleep Apnea Today
If you are ready to manage sleep apnea, look no further. You can get back to sleeping well again and put sleep apnea behind you. Complete Health Sleep SoCal will help educate you about sleep apnea and support you with the information you need.
Sleep apnea carries considerable risk if untreated. Our team is here to help, so if you are eager to improve your health, schedule a consultation today.
Sleep apnea occurs when a person experiences repetitive interruptions in their breathing during sleep, leading to potentially serious consequences.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can pose long-term health risks, such as cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, daytime fatigue, and even diminished cognitive function. Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder with three primary types: obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. Our team at Complete Health Sleep of SoCal will help educate you about sleep apnea and accurately diagnose if you have this condition.
You can trust that our sleep professionals will listen to you with our patient-focused approach. Our team takes pride in providing excellent care.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, leading to repeated partial or complete blockages of the upper airway. These blockages result in loud snoring and, more importantly, the temporary cessation of breathing, which can happen multiple times throughout the night. Fortunately, oral device therapy has been proven to effectively treat OSA.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a less common but equally concerning type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the brain fails to transmit the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This results in the temporary suspension of breathing during sleep. CSA is often associated with underlying medical conditions, such as heart failure or certain neurological problems. Recognizing the differences between these two types of sleep apnea is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. It may require an evaluation from a sleep professional and an at-home test. Our clinic proudly offers these services.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, is a relatively rare condition that presents a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. It typically occurs when someone with pre-existing obstructive sleep apnea starts using a CPAP device. Instead of improvement, they experience an increase in central apneas. It’s important to diagnose this condition accurately, as treatment approaches may differ from typical obstructive sleep apnea.
Treat Sleep Apnea Today
If you are ready to treat sleep apnea, look no further. You can get back to sleeping well again and put sleep apnea behind you. Complete Health Sleep of SoCal will help educate you about sleep apnea, effectively diagnose your condition, and create the right treatment plan.
Sleep apnea carries considerable risk if untreated, and if you are unsure whether you have this condition, it’s worth the time and investment to meet with a professional and get a test. Our team is here to help. If you are eager to improve your health, schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for sleep apnea treatments in Southern California?
Complete Health Sleep SoCal is located right in the heart of Southern California, and is proud to serve the San Diego area. If you are looking for CPAP alternatives, our team is ready to help. Our empathetic sleep professionals focus on oral device therapy, providing you with an effective alternative to treat sleep apnea. Our sleep practice uses the latest technology to create custom-fitted oral devices that are clinically proven to treat sleep apnea. Reach out to our team to schedule an initial consultation.
What is the process to get treated for sleep apnea?
Our treatment process at Complete Health Sleep SoCal is a straightforward journey toward better sleep. It begins with a thorough consultation, where our experienced team reviews your sleep concerns, symptoms, and sleep patterns. Next, we conduct a sleep-disordered breathing screening to determine the most appropriate next steps. In many cases, we offer the convenience of at-home sleep testing, allowing you to monitor your sleep in the comfort of your own bed. If oral appliance therapy is recommended, our skilled team custom-builds a device tailored to your needs. From there, you can begin a personalized treatment plan designed to help improve your sleep. Contact us today to get started.
What is the impact of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can directly impact your day-to-day life, as you may experience snoring, poor health, or frequent fatigue. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to long-term health risks such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive impairments. If you suspect you may be at risk for or have symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, it’s worth being evaluated by a sleep professional. Our team at Complete Health Sleep SoCal provides sleep-disordered breathing screenings and at-home sleep testing. Contact us today to get started.
