SAN ANTONIO – Snoring, gasping for air and choking at night, combined with just a general feeling of fatigue during the day are some of the common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. It's a problem that affects more than just our zzzz's. It's linked to heart failure, stroke, diabetes, as well as osteoporosis.
Dr. Pat Brown, a sleep specialist at ENT Clinics of San Antonio, says we are now learning that restorative sleep is crucial to many body functions.
"It goes back to the body systems needing rest to refurbish, if you will. I think that is going to one among many things that will come into focus," he said.
Last week, Dr. Brown performed the first local Inspire surgery on a patient who was looking for an alternative to sleep machines and more invasive surgeries. It's an upper respiratory stimulation implant, like a pacemaker, that activates the tongue when it detects breathing irregularities. This is in contrast to most common sleep apnea surgeries that move or alter the tongue and tissues to keep them from obstructing the airway. Inspire leaves the mouth mostly untouched, except for an electrical pulse that is implanted to stimulate the nerve in the tongue to keep it forward.
One of his patients considering the surgery said it's time for a change. "I've tried CPAP three times. I've done an APAP mouth device. I've even tried the polar procedure," said Dawn Martin, who has suffered for 10 years without a good night's sleep.
Martin also saiid it's affected everything in her life and she's looking forward to relief. "Just being able to have energy during the day and exercise, and pay attention. Concentration issues won't be an issue for me, so I am excited."
Brown says if you're a long term CPAP user, Inspire is a nice alternative because you may be able to get rid of your sleep machine altogether.
For more information on Inspire click here.
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