Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is diagnosed when your body stops breathing periodically throughout the night. Being older or overweight can increase your chances of having sleep apnea, and many people who snore loudly are diagnosed with the issue. Dr. Arthur Katz in Merrillville and Munster, IN, and Olympia Fields, IL is an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist who works with people who are struggling with sleep and looking for answers.

Signs that You Have Sleep Apnea

There are a number of signs that indicate you have sleep apnea, and you will likely suffer from more than one at a time. People with sleep apnea often feel tired, even after sleeping throughout the night. You might snore loudly, or jerk awake while sleeping. You might suffer from restless legs, which can be a secondary problem with sleep apnea. If you are going to bed at night at a reasonable time, and you still don't feel rested, you may need to see a sleep specialist to figure out what is going on.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

As weight is a factor in sleep apnea, losing weight can greatly reduce the severity of your sleep apnea. If losing weight is not enough, you can use a CPAP machine at night to help keep your airway open. You will need to go through a sleep study in order to have a CPAP machine, and the study will determine if you have sleep apnea or not. During the study, your breathing rate will be measured. If you have any apnea episodes, these will be recorded during your study. Treatment will be determined by your sleep specialist, and you may feel much better once treatment begins.

Schedule With a Specialist Today

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it's important to get a consultation with a medical professional. Contact the office of Dr. Arthur Katz in Merrillville and Munster, IN, and Olympia Fields, IL to set up an initial consultation. Call today for more information at (219) 934-9396 for the office in Munster, IN, (219) 769-8441 for the office in Merrillville, IN, and (708) 747-6900 for the office in Olympia Fields, IL.