Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts at night. People suffering from this condition often experience poor quality of sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and even long-term health issues if left untreated. If you’re in Dhaka and struggling with sleep apnea, you’re not alone. Fortunately, several practical solutions are available to help you manage this condition and improve your overall health.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea typically comes in three types:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much, blocking airflow.
- Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Common symptoms include loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing, gasping for air during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth, and excessive daytime drowsiness. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to complications like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Solutions for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Dhaka
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
CPAP is one of the most effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask that delivers continuous air pressure, helping to keep the airways open while you sleep. In Dhaka, various medical centers and suppliers offer CPAP devices, ensuring that patients can access this life-changing therapy.
- Oral Appliances
Oral appliances can be an alternative for individuals who find CPAP uncomfortable. A dentist custom-makes these devices to fit your mouth. They work by repositioning the jaw to keep your airway open. Many dental clinics in Dhaka now offer these sleep apnea appliances, providing a more comfortable option for patients.
- Lifestyle Changes
For mild cases of sleep apnea, lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference:
- Weight Loss: Obesity is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea. Losing weight can reduce or even eliminate symptoms in some individuals.
- Sleep Position: Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help reduce airway blockage.
- Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Both alcohol and smoking can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Cutting back or quitting altogether can improve your sleep quality.
- Surgery
In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgery might be recommended. Procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which removes excess tissue from the throat, or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), which repositions the jaw, can help improve airflow. Some hospitals and specialized clinics in Dhaka offer these surgical options for sleep apnea patients.
- Positional Therapy
Positional therapy is designed to prevent people from sleeping on their backs, which can worsen symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. This treatment involves wearing devices that encourage side-sleeping, which can reduce airway obstruction. Several sleep centres in Dhaka provide this noninvasive therapy.
- Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)
ASV is a modern and advanced treatment for central sleep apnea. This machine monitors breathing patterns and adjusts airflow to ensure normal breathing throughout the night. Advanced sleep centres in Dhaka offer this cutting-edge technology to patients who need it.
Where to Seek Treatment in Dhaka
Dhaka is home to several reputable hospitals, sleep centres, and specialized clinics that provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea. Many centres offer overnight sleep studies (polysomnography) to accurately diagnose the severity of your condition, allowing for tailored treatment plans. Whether you need a CPAP machine, oral appliances, or advanced surgical interventions, these facilities ensure high-quality care.
Conclusion
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have already been diagnosed, it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid complications. Dhaka offers a wide range of practical solutions for sleep apnea, from CPAP therapy and oral appliances to lifestyle changes and surgery. By consulting with a healthcare provider, you can find the best treatment plan tailored to your needs, ensuring you get the restful, healthy sleep you deserve.