A common and serious sleep disorder, sleep apnea causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night. Sleep apnea can negatively impact your health, productivity, and quality of life. About 25 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
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A sleep apnea can be classified into three types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome (CSAS). Most commonly, OSA occurs when your throat muscles relax and block your airway. CSA occurs when your brain doesn't send the right signals to your breathing muscles. CSAS is a combination of both OSA and CSA.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air, choking, or waking up abruptly. Sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases if left untreated. It can also cause daytime sleepiness, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, or difficulty concentrating.
The treatment for sleep apnea may include CPAP machines, oral appliances, surgery, or lifestyle changes. Nevertheless, you may have difficulty finding the right solution for your needs, or you may encounter problems with compliance, cost, or side effects. That is where Direct Primary Care (DPC) can assist.
The DPC model of healthcare offers you a more personal and direct relationship with your doctor. Among other services, you have access to unlimited visits, same-day appointments, telemedicine, preventive care, chronic disease management, and more by paying a monthly fee. Also, DPC does not involve insurance companies, so you don't have to worry about copays, deductibles, or surprise bills for labs, imaging, medications, and referrals.
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DPC can offer you many benefits if you have sleep apnea, such as:
A customized sleep apnea management plan will be developed by your DPC physician based on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Your doctor will also monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed. You will have more time to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and explore your options.
You can also get discounts on these products through your DPC membership. Your DPC doctor can provide you with the latest and most effective sleep apnea treatment tools, such as CPAP machines, oral appliances, or home sleep tests.
The DPC doctor can coordinate your care with other specialists such as sleep medicine doctors, ENTs, dentists, or surgeons. You can also find trusted and affordable providers in your area through referrals.
You can learn how to prevent or manage sleep apnea from your DPC doctor if you are interested in learning more about its causes, symptoms, and complications. A DPC doctor can also provide you with emotional support and motivation to help you overcome any obstacles or challenges you may face. You can also get tips and advice on how to improve your sleep hygiene, diet, exercise, and stress levels.
With DPC, you can manage your sleep apnea in a personalized and holistic way, which is one of its main advantages. The best treatment for you will be determined by your medical history, physical examination, sleep study results, and other factors. Furthermore, you will be able to share your preferences and expectations and collaborate with your doctor on your care plan.
Some of the possible treatments that your DPC doctor can offer you are:
The continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) uses pressurized air to keep your airway open and prevent it from collapsing when you sleep through a mask. CPAP is the most common and effective treatment for OSA, and it can also help with CSA and CSAS. However, some people may find it inconvenient, noisy, or uncomfortable. In addition to providing ongoing support and troubleshooting, your DPC doctor can help you choose the right CPAP machine, mask, and settings for your needs.
The use of oral appliances while you sleep opens up your airway and reduces obstructions. They work by moving your lower jaw forward. If you cannot tolerate CPAP or have mild to moderate OSA, oral appliances are usually recommended. If you need an oral appliance, your DPC doctor can refer you to a dentist who can fit one for you and monitor your compliance and response.
When sleep apnea is severe or complex, or if anatomical problems cause or worsen the condition, surgery may be an option. In addition to removing excess tissue from your throat, nose, or mouth, surgery can also correct your jaw or palate position. You can also be implanted with a device to stimulate your nerves or muscles in order to keep your airway open. DPC doctors can guide you to a skilled and experienced surgeon if surgery is right for you.
The use of lifestyle changes is also a way to manage sleep apnea, especially if you are obese, smoke, drink alcohol, or have poor sleep habits. By losing weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, avoiding sedatives, sleeping on your side, elevating your head, or using nasal strips or sprays, your DPC doctor can help you make healthy changes. Additionally, your DPC doctor can provide tips on how to create a comfortable and relaxing sleep environment, follow a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and blue light before bed, and practice relaxation techniques.
You can see that DPC offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to sleep apnea management. If you join a DPC practice, you will be able to have a personal relationship with your doctor who will treat you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. By avoiding the pitfalls of traditional healthcare, you can save time, money, and hassle.
As Benjamin Franklin said, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
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