Sleep Apnea/ Snoring in Princeton and Monroe, NJ
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Those who snore or have sleep apnea may have difficulty resting, which is why they should visit the Central New Jersey area office of board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Scott Kay, FACS. Our practice serves patients throughout the neighboring communities of Princeton, Monroe and Plainsboro.
What is Sleep Apnea/Snoring?
Sleep apnea is a condition whereby an individual’s breathing is interrupted multiple times during the sleep cycle. As a result, that person repeatedly awakens many times without even knowing it. When breathing stops, the brain may not receive the right amount of oxygen.
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and occurs whenever there is an obstruction of the upper airway. With central sleep apnea, the brain does not signal the body to breathe while sleeping. Mixed sleep apnea is the presence of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.
Snoring is also the result of obstructed airflow through the nose and mouth while sleeping. While snoring does not always indicate sleep apnea, it is nonetheless a symptom of that condition. Mild snoring may not be problematic; however, chronic snoring can disrupt sleep cycles and should be addressed.
What Causes Sleep Apnea and Snoring?
Several things can cause sleep apnea, including:
- Being overweight
- Having overly relaxed throat muscles
- Large tonsils
- Heredity
Men over the age of 40 are more likely to have sleep apnea than women. Those with a large neck (more than 17 inches for men or 16 inches for women) are also at greater risk. Snoring can be caused by any of the above factors, in addition to allergies, stress and alcohol use.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment
One of the biggest benefits is that treatment identifies the cause of your problem. Treating the cause will allow you to enjoy better sleep, which is essential for your health and wellness.
How is Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treated?
Your treatment will vary, based on the type of sleep apnea or degree of snoring you are plagued with. Obstructive sleep apnea is often treated with the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which consists of a mask worn over the face to deliver a continuous flow of air. Other treatment methods include:
- Prescribing dental devices to be worn at night
- Surgery
- Outpatient procedures to reduce the amount of tissue in the palate
- Use of an implanted device called Inspire, which is an upper airway stimulator
Dr. Kay may also recommend you take certain other measures such as:
- Losing weight
- Stopping smoking
- Changing sleep cycles and/or position
- Refraining from the use of alcohol or sleeping pills
Preparing For Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment
Each case of sleep apnea is treated differently. You will be given instructions on how to prepare for treatment once Dr. Kay determines what procedure(s) are needed.
Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment Recovery
Wearing a CPAP machine takes some getting used to, which means you may experience mild discomfort in the beginning. This will normally get better within a week or so. If surgery is required, post-operative instructions will be provided prior to your operation.
How Much Does Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment Cost?
That depends on the type of sleep apnea/snoring problem you are diagnosed with and the method used to correct it.
Is Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment Right for Me?
Getting treatment for sleep apnea is important, as your risk of heart attack or stroke increases if it is left untreated. Snoring can also affect your (or your spouse’s) sleep quality, which in turn can affect your physical and mental health.
Why Choose Princeton Otolaryngology Associates For Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment?
As a board certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Scott Kay can clearly identify obstructions that may be causing your sleep apnea or snoring problem, enabling you to receive the best possible treatment in a short amount of time.
What to Expect During Your Consultation for Sleep Apnea/Snoring
Your health history will be evaluated to determine what might be causing your condition. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose sleep apnea, which is why Dr. Kay may recommend undergoing a sleep study.
If you continuously wake up tired, the reason may be due to snoring or sleep apnea. Find out by contacting Dr. Scott Kay of Princeton Otolaryngology Associates in the Central New Jersey area, serving the communities of Princeton, Monroe, Plainsboro and others.
