Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) refers to a common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing and snoring during sleep. These interruptions occur when the muscles in the back of your throat relax, causing the airway to narrow or close. 

At Kimball Health Services, we provide comprehensive care for individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Our dedicated team, led by board-certified ENT surgeon Dr. William O. Dickey, offers personalized treatment plans to manage and mitigate the symptoms of OSA. 

Snoring is the sound of vibrations produced when air flows past relaxed throat tissues during breathing, creating a hoarse or harsh sound. As you transition from light to deep sleep, the muscles in the soft palate, throat, and tongue relax, potentially obstructing the airway and causing vibrations that result in snoring.

Multiple factors contribute to snoring, including: 

• Anatomy of the mouth and sinuses
• Alcohol consumption
• Allergies
• Colds
• Body weight

Snoring is often associated with a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is typified by loud snoring followed by breathing pauses during sleep. This occurs when muscles supporting throat tissues relax, causing the airway to narrow or close temporarily. 

If you have OSA, you might wake up with a snort or gasping sound due to interrupted breathing. 

While not all snorers have OSA, some symptoms that can indicate the presence of OSA include:

• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches
• Sore throat upon awakening
• Restless sleep
• Gasping or choking at night
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain at night

In children, snoring might be linked to OSA, particularly if accompanied by specific health issues like enlarged tonsils or obesity.

When the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, the airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, reducing oxygen levels in the blood and causing a buildup of carbon dioxide.

In response, your brain briefly rouses you from sleep to reopen the airway, often so briefly that you don't remember it. You may wake up with shortness of breath that quickly resolves with a few deep breaths, or you might make snorting, choking, or gasping sounds.

This pattern can repeat 5 to 30 times or more each hour throughout the night, preventing you from reaching deep, restorative sleep and causing daytime sleepiness. Many people with OSA are unaware of their interrupted sleep and do not realize they haven't had a restful night's sleep.

Risk factors that heighten the likelihood of snoring include:

• Gender: Men are more prone to snoring than women.
• Weight: People with unhealthy weight are at a higher risk of snoring.
• Airway Configuration: A narrow airway due to a long soft palate, large tonsils, or adenoids can contribute to snoring.
• Alcohol Use: Consumption of alcohol, particularly before bedtime, relaxes throat muscles, increasing the risk of snoring.
• Nasal Issues: Structural defects like a deviated septum or chronic nasal congestion increase the risk of snoring.
• Family History: A familial predisposition to snoring can also be a contributing factor.

OSA is more often seen in older males than females, but it can affect people of any age, including children. Untreated OSA can contribute to severe health problems such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke, and daytime fatigue and sleepiness.

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for effective management and the prevention of associated health complications.

Diagnosing sleep disorders involves a thorough evaluation by our team. We may conduct a physical exam to review your symptoms and recommend blood or imaging tests to understand the causes of your symptoms.

You may also be asked to maintain a sleep diary to record your bedtime, sleep onset, wake-up time, daytime naps, and your feelings before and after sleeping. 

In some cases, our primary care provider may suggest consulting a sleep specialist who can conduct a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram. This test electronically records specific body and brain activities during sleep, and the data helps us analyze whether a sleep disorder is present.

Treatment options for sleep disorders vary and may include:

• Changing sleeping routines to establish a regular sleep schedule and proper sleep hygiene
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Using medications or supplements, such as sleeping pills, alerting agents, or melatonin
• Adjusting medications or dosages causing excessive sleepiness 
• Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or a neurostimulator for sleep apnea control
• Using light therapy
• Surgical treatment

Our team tailors treatments based on your specific situation, discussing potential side effects before beginning any treatment. 

Here are some tips to help you improve your sleep quality:

• Create a comfortable sleeping environment with a cool, quiet, and dark bedroom. Use "white noise" or earplugs for noise, and try a sleep mask or blackout curtains for light interference.
• Reduce pre-sleep stress through activities like making a to-do list earlier in the evening and maintaining a positive mindset.
• Reserve your bed for sleep and intimacy, and avoid activities like watching TV, eating, or working while in bed.
• Establish a regular bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, soothing music, or reading. Incorporate relaxation exercises or meditation.
• Turn clocks away, and leave the bedroom if unable to sleep within 20 minutes. Engage in a relaxing activity in another room without screen time.
• Practice regular exercise habits to promote positive sleep, but avoid strenuous activities close to bedtime.

At Kimball Health Services, we offer compassionate, cutting-edge care tailored to help you manage your obstructive sleep apnea effectively and enjoy healthier, more restful sleep.

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. 

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online. We're here for you whenever you need us.