Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses reduce oxygen levels and disturb normal sleep, often leaving a person tired even after a full night’s rest. Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, and daytime sleepiness are common warning signs. Left untreated, sleep apnea can affect heart health, blood pressure, and overall wellbeing, so proper evaluation and treatment are important.
Dr. Rahul Nayak, Consultant Pulmonologist and Critical Care Specialist, provides expert evaluation and personalized treatment for adults experiencing snoring, disturbed sleep, and daytime tiredness.
Common Symptoms
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep, noticed by others
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness and tiredness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or poor memory
- Restless or disturbed sleep
Common Causes & Risk Factors
- Excess body weight
- Narrowed or blocked upper airway
- Enlarged tonsils or nasal problems
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Increasing age
- Family history of sleep apnea
Diagnosis
Dr. Rahul Nayak evaluates your symptoms, sleep pattern, and risk factors to assess for sleep apnea. Evaluation may include:
- Detailed symptom and sleep history
- Sleep study (when advised) to assess breathing during sleep
- Oxygen level assessment
- Additional tests to check related health conditions
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea and aims to keep the airway open, improve sleep, and lower related health risks. It may include:
- CPAP therapy to keep the airway open during sleep
- Lifestyle changes such as weight management
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol before sleep
- Positional and sleep-habit guidance
- Management of related conditions and regular follow-up
When to See a Pulmonologist
Consult a pulmonologist if you have loud snoring with pauses in breathing, wake up gasping, or feel excessively sleepy during the day despite adequate sleep. Early evaluation helps improve sleep quality and protect long-term health.
Consult Dr. Rahul Nayak for expert Sleep Apnea Treatment in Siliguri and take the right step toward better sleep and better health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, reducing oxygen levels and disturbing normal rest.
2. Is loud snoring always sleep apnea?
Not always, but loud snoring with pauses in breathing, gasping, or daytime sleepiness can be a sign of sleep apnea and should be evaluated.
3. How is sleep apnea treated?
Treatment may include CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes such as weight management, and avoiding smoking and alcohol, along with management of related conditions.
4. Why is treating sleep apnea important?
Untreated sleep apnea can affect heart health, blood pressure, concentration, and overall wellbeing. Proper treatment improves sleep and reduces these risks.