Sleep apnea, put simply, is a partial or complete stopping of breath during sleep. This causes the body to strain harder for oxygen, and makes the brain send signals that jerk your body awake to resume proper breathing.
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OSA is a common sleep disorder that causes involuntary cessation of breathing during sleep. It is caused by intermittent relaxation of the throat muscles, which block the airway while a person is sleeping. This results in shallow breath and even brief stoppage of breathing while asleep. The most common characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. As the air gets squeezed through the narrow airway, it makes the snoring noise that you hear.
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The most common telltale sign of obstructive sleep apnea is loud snoring—loud enough to disturb the sleep of the patient as well as others around, even across the walls. That said, not everyone who snores suffers from obstructive sleep apnea.
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Sleep Better Clinic is a leading medical facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals experiencing snoring, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and sleep apnea. Led by Dr. Velasquez, a board-certified sleep doctor and a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the clinic offers specialized services that cater to the unique needs of patients with sleep disorders. With a focus on delivering prompt and accurate diagnoses, the clinic coordinates and conducts sleep studies, which are interpreted by Dr. Velasquez. This streamlined approach ensures a timely and effective management plan for patients. In addition to traditional CPAP/BIPAP machines, Sleep Better Clinic also provides innovative non-CPAP options for obstructive sleep apnea, including Inspire Implantable Device and ExciteOSA, for patients who require alternative treatments. Trust Sleep Better Clinic to help you achieve a better night's sleep and improved quality of life.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a very common sleep problem that causes repeated breathing pauses while sleeping due to the closing or narrowing of the upper airway. In a 2019 study, around 54 million Americans are affected. Sleep Apnea could lead to excessive daytime sleepiness/fatigue and other health issues.
Poor sleep quality
Fragmented sleep. Waking up multiple times throughout the night.
Waking up with severe dry mouth
Feeling excessively tired during the day. Daytime. Sleepiness
Morning headache
Easily irritable
Bruxism (Grinding teeth)
Frequent trips to the bathroom at night to urinate
Sleep walking/sleep talking
Snoring/choking/gasping for air while sleeping.
Decreased concentration
Decreased libido
Overweight. Obesity.
Narrow airway.
Chronic nasal congestion
Facial anatomy/structure. Example: small job.
Smoking
Family history of obstructive sleep apnea
Old age
Males are twice as likely to be diagnosed with sleep apnea more than females.
Obesity
Hypertension
Migraine
Diabetes
Cardiac disease: atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack
Depression
Anxiety
Chronic fatigue
Thyroid disorders
Asthma/COPD
Metabolic syndrome
Stroke
Glaucoma
Associated with sleep-deprived bed partners
Lowered immune system
Increased pain sensitivity
Snoring is the sound produced due to the air turbulence happening in the oral and nasal passage ways while sleeping. Snoring is well known to disrupt sleep. It associated with sleep apnea and it could lead to health issues. If there is an anatomical or structural issue, patient will be referred to an ENT specialist to assess and manage the issues.
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder described as having a difficultly falling asleep or staying asleep, fragmented sleep or poor-quality sleep. This could lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue. They are numerous factors that could contribute to insomnia, and these will be evaluated during your visit. Psychiatric disorders usually contribute to patients having insomnia. Examples of treatment options are sleep aid medications and cognitive behavioral therapy interventions.
Restless leg syndrome is neurologic disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs. This is often accompanied by itching, burning, tingling and crawling sensation. This is uncomfortable enough to disrupt sleep. Symptoms are worse at night making difficult to fall and stay asleep. There are also some medications that could increase your risk of developing RLS.
Narcolepsy is a neurological and sleep disorder that affects the ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Patient experience symptoms that include excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden episodes of muscle weakness or loss of muscle control (cataplexy), hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Our clinic will arrange a specific sleep study for diagnosis, and also formulate a personalized treatment plan to manage symptoms.
Inspire is the only FDA approved obstructive sleep apnea treatment that works inside your body to treat the root cause of sleep apnea
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eXciteOSA® is the world’s first daytime therapy proven to strengthen weak tongue muscles known to be the root cause of sleep apnea and snoring
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Dr. Velasquez is a great Doctor for sleep apnea patients. He has been very helpful. I’ve been a patient of his for about a year and I definitely have more energy throughout the day. Set me up to get a new machine and all the supplies I needed. Now I’m on to better sleep. Nothing like getting in bed knowing you will sleep good throughout the night.
I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Velazquez. The first month with my c pap was challenging. With a change in my health and hesitancy wearing the mask I wasn’t using my machine properly. During my follow up appointment with Dr. Velazquez , he took the time to listen to my complaints and ineptness, never once rushing me or minimizing my concerns. He changed my headgear and mouthpiece. Last night I slept 6 1/2 hours uninterrupted and woke up refreshed. During my appointment at Carney Hospital today Dr Valazquez was so complimentary with my progress. He is kind and compassionate and i highly recommend his expertise.
I knew that I had sleep apnea but I did not know how severe my apnea was until I saw Dr. Velasquez. He diagnosed me with severe sleep apnea and prescribed the CPAP machine for me. My life has not been the same ever since then. I wake up now with a lot of energy, and I am able to remain alert and active all day long. I stopped experiencing the usual daytime sleepiness that I used to have before I saw Dr. Velasquez. Dr. Velasquez is always very thorough, and pays attention to details during my visits to his clinic. He is as compassionate as he is a good listener. He is always available on the phone to answer questions, give constant updates, and offer solutions. He worked closely and constantly with me on the processes for acquiring the CPAP machine, the proper and optimal use of the machine, and on the maintenance and care for my machine including troubleshooting error messages.
Dr. Velasquez is a very kind man . He listens and helped me very much . I have much more energy. Do not feel as anxious. You are not given a machine to learn by yourself . He takes the time to teach you . He understands. Because he has sleep apnea . I highly recommend going to him. 😀
I used to feel tired throughout the day because of sleep apnea due to my retruded jaw. Dr. Velasquez diagnosed me with sleep apnea and prescribed me a CPAP machine. I feel much better now during the day. He also advised me to follow up with a maxillofacial surgeon to get my jaw evaluated for advancement. Last but not the least, his staff members are very polite. I thank Dr. Velasquez for guiding me in the treatment and I highly recommend Dr. Velasquez's sleep clinic for sleep apnea evaluation and treatment.
2100 Dorchester Ave. Suite ACC-C Dorchester MA 02124
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