Sleep Apnea is a very common condition which causes a frequent cessation of breathing while asleep. The most common type is referred to as Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of medical issues as well as impact the performance of normal daily activities. Dr. Druz at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island specializes in treating this specific type of sleep apnea through holistic treatments.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Loud snoring
  • Other individuals witnessing your breathing stop while asleep
  • Sudden awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
  • Difficulty staying asleep resulting in daytime sleepiness
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or a sore throat

Although these are the most evident signs of sleep apnea, the only way to officially diagnose a sleeping disorder as sleep apnea is by conducting a sleep study. At Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, we use a non-invasive home testing device to determine the severity of your sleep apnea and create a sleep solution to reduce or treat the symptoms of OSA.

Causes of OSA

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway is blocked by the collapse of soft tissue in the back of the throat during sleep. Although OSA can occur in all different types of people, it is most common in middle-aged men who sleep on their back and are overweight.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in several medical issues such as:

  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Hypertension
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Weight gain

Other effects include headaches, trouble concentrating, falling asleep while driving, and difficulties in work performance.

Sleep Apnea Solutions

Dr. Druz at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island assesses heart rate variability as well as uses different breathing exercises to help decrease stress on your body, therefore leading to a healthier night’s sleep. Our sleep solutions help decrease inflammation and lessen the effects of sleep apnea. Weight loss is also a contributing factor and will greatly improve breathing when combined with other sleep treatments. Our holistic approach to weight loss and overall wellness can help you improve your sleep.

If you are not getting a good night’s sleep and have reports of loud snoring and loss of breath, do not wait – you may be suffering from sleep apnea and could be at risk for other medical issues. Make an appointment today to see how functional medicine can help you.