Cochise Oncology

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How to Tell if You Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when your ability to breathe while sleeping stops.

Telling whether you have the condition, however, is challenging, because it only happens while you are asleep. Common signs include feeling groggy in the morning, waking up gasping for breath, and frequent headaches upon waking.

If you have a partner, they may also hint that you have the condition. For instance, they might tell you that you stopped breathing in the night or were snoring heavily and jerkily.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops while you are asleep. There are three main forms of the condition: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax and prevent air from traveling to and from the lungs. Central sleep apnea results from incorrect sending of signals from the brain to the diaphragm – the muscle that controls breathing. And complex sleep apnea syndrome is when you have a combination of central and obstructive sleep apnea.

At Cochise Oncology, we treat all forms of sleep apnea. Dealing with the condition quickly is crucial. People with long-term sleep apnea can develop high blood pressure, daytime fatigue, type two diabetes, sleep-deprived partners, and liver problems.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

In general, there is a substantial overlap between central and obstructive sleep apneas. The most common symptoms include:

Grogginess, fatigue, or tiredness upon waking
Daytime sleepiness
A sense that you aren’t rested when you wake up
Difficulty staying asleep all night
Gasping for breath during the night
Episodes where you stop breathing – something a partner might report to you in the morning
Difficulties in paying attention to what people are saying while awake
Headaches in the morning

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Simply fill out the form on this page to request an appointment and one of our knowledgable team members will reach out to you. Or call our Sierra Vista oncology center to schedule directly at (520) 803-6644.

Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea

While sleep apnea presents problems, there are multiple benefits of treating it at Cochise Oncology. These include:

Greater daytime alertness: Repeatedly awakening at night (as your central nervous system forces you awake to breathe) can leave you feeling tired and worn out, affecting your ability to work, drive or socialize. By contrast, dealing with sleep apnea can improve your mood, make you feel more alerts, and resolve behavioral problems.
Lower blood pressure: In many patients, sleep apnea leads to increases in blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. However, with proper treatment, you can reduce this risk.
Improved relationships with your partners: Sleep apnea patients tend to have very loud, abrupt snoring which can keep their partners awake. Dealing with the problem allows you to sleep in the same bed as somebody else without depriving them of sleep.
Improved metabolic health: There’s considerable evidence that sleep apnea leads to metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes obesity, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol levels. By dealing with the condition, you could potentially lower your risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases in the future.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

At Cochise Oncology, we know optimal cancer treatment places the patient first – and our patients experience this every day. Read what our satisfied patients are saying about their experiences at Cochise Oncology.

From the time I walked in the door, I was treated with care and compassion. The gals up front knew my name from the second day on. Everyone I came in contact with was super! I saw a smiling, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable face from the time I walked in, to the time I walked out. When I asked a question - I got an answer. I was scared. I was anxious. They handled me with grace and that isn't easy. I saw the staff for one reason or another for 30 days straight. I never saw grumpy, angry or an unkind face. I'm getting ready to start the rest of my treatment. I go to my appointments knowing I'm in good - no great hands!

The ladies that work the front desk are very nice and go above and beyond. My Father is a Veteran had some issues navigating the VA system. They called Antonio on his cellphone who is their PR person and a Vet himself he walked my Father through the process in terms a old soldier would understand which my Father really appreciated. Everything got approved for his treatments and he has a new friend to meet up with at the VFW!!! Having them go that extra step made all the difference. THANK YOU COCHISE ONCOLOGY!!!

Fantastic staff! Receptionists are very professional. They are knowledgeable as to my copay amount and always provide me with a receipt. Very friendly! Dr. Klarnett is extremely friendly, very compassionate and providing me with solutions to my problem. Casey the insurance verification clerk is outstanding in regards to prior authorization. Explains in detail what is involved in your treatment plan, co-pays, and penalty if you do not show up for treatment. It's good to know your out of pocket charge if you don't follow her instructions. Meagan is super nurse! Always so friendly. Always a smile on her face while she is multitasking in between patients. Very compassionate, personal, and a joy to talk to. Overall I like coming here for my labs and care.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to learn more about sleep apnea? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 803-6644 or fill out the consultation form on this page. We look forward to meeting you!

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