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Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea: What Patients Need to Know Loud snoring can be harmless. When it occurs with breathing pauses, gasping, or persistent daytime sleepiness, it may indicate obstructive sleep apnea. A clear evaluation can help you determine whether treatment is needed and what options may be appropriate for your condition. What to notice at home Pay attention to how often snoring happens and what accompanies it. Key signs that suggest an evaluation is needed include witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping or choking sounds, or waking unrefreshed. Daytime sleepiness and trouble concentrating are also important symptoms to pay attention to. Take note of how often these symptoms occur and how they affect you over several nights. This information will help your clinician understand your concerns during the first visit Why evaluation matters When breathing repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep, it can fragment restorative sleep and reduce oxygen briefly. Over time this pattern contributes to fatigue, reduced alertness, and increased health risk. Finding out whether snoring is primary or caused by sleep apnea is the first step toward getting safer, more restful sleep. How diagnosis works here at Athens Sleep and Wellness Center Athens Sleep & Wellness Center uses home sleep testing for many adults where breathing patterns are observed. The test helps patients to provide the data clinicians need to determine whether sleep apnea is present and how severe it is. After the study, a sleep clinician will review the results to get a clear understanding of your diagnosis. Together, we will come up with a solution that fits your lifestyle. For more information, see the clinic testing page: https://www.ahcsleepcenter.com/ Treatment options we discuss and provide After a clear diagnosis, the clinic works with you to choose the most appropriate, evidence-based option for your situation and preferences. CPAP therapy. It is a standard treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. If CPAP is recommended after testing, your clinician will explain how it works and discuss options for device support and follow-up.   Oral appliance therapy. If your test indicates mild to moderate sleep apnea, or if CPAP is not tolerated, a custom oral appliance that repositions the jaw may be an appropriate alternative. The clinic discusses candidacy, expectations, and next steps for obtaining a device.   Sleep and lifestyle guidance. Practical measures such as improving sleep habits, treating nasal congestion, and adjusting sleep position are part of the plan when they may help. Your clinician will explain small changes that can reduce snoring and improve sleep quality. Follow-up and ongoing care Testing is only the first step. The clinic schedules follow-up visits to review how treatment is working and to make adjustments as needed. These visits focus on solving common problems, improving comfort, and making sure the chosen plan fits your daily life. Practical steps before your visit Keep a short sleep diary for three to seven nights. Ask a partner to note any pauses, choking, or gasping during sleep. Bring a current medication list to your appointment. Final note and next step Many people feel immediate relief simply by knowing what is happening at night. If you suspect your snoring may be more than a nuisance, a home sleep test is a discreet, practical way to find out.  To learn more about testing and treatment at Athens Sleep & Wellness Center, visit: https://www.ahcsleepcenter.com/ or contact the clinic through the website for details and scheduling.

Common Sleep Disorders: How Athens Sleep and Wellness Center Can Help Adequate sleep is an important part of keeping your physical health, emotional balance, and quality of life on track. For too many people, quality sleep is out of reach. At the Athens Sleep and Wellness Center, we understand how deeply sleep affects everything from your mood and concentration to your long-term health. Our mission is to help you identify what’s interfering with your sleep and guide you toward lasting, effective solutions with compassionate, expert care. Why Sleep Health Matters Sleep is the time when the body heals, recharges, and regulates different vital systems in the body, like the heart, metabolism, and immune function. If sleep is poor or disrupted, you may notice irritability, poor concentration, headaches, or persistent fatigue. Untreated sleep problems can raise the risk for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Loud snoring, restless nights, or excessive daytime tiredness are some of the symptoms that quite a few people just ignore, considering them part of life. These are the symptoms of some underlying sleep disorder. Common Sleep Disorders We Treat 1. Sleep Apnea: When Breathing Pauses During Sleep Sleep apnea is a condition in which one’s airway is blocked or collapses during sleep, resulting in repeated pauses in breathing. This can be identified by loud snoring, choking, or restlessness during sleep. Many people with sleep apnea wake up feeling unrefreshed, no matter how long they sleep. Treatment at Athens Sleep and Wellness Center: CPAP Therapy: Therapy done with the help of machine made with partnership with Apria Oral Appliances: Special devices that can improve airflow, especially in mild to moderate cases. Lifestyle Recommendations: Guidance on weight management and sleeping positions that support easier breathing. Regular Monitoring: Ongoing follow-ups help ensure therapy remains effective and comfortable. Treating sleep apnea not only reduces fatigue but also lowers long-term risks related to heart strain and blood pressure. 2. Narcolepsy: Managing Sudden and Excessive Sleepiness Narcolepsy is a neurological condition identified by chronic sleep attacks and overwhelming daytime tiredness. This occurs at any moment, depending on the situation, and affecting concentration, mood, and safety. Treatment Approach:Our clinic provides individualized care to help regulate sleep patterns The goal is to help patients lead fuller, more active lives with better control over their sleep-wake cycles. 3. Idiopathic Hypersomnia: Persistent Fatigue Despite Full Sleep Idiopathic hypersomnia causes excessive sleepiness irrespective of adequate night’s rest. Patients often describe feelings of drowsiness and lack of concentration for much of the day, making daily tasks harder to manage. Treatment at Athens Sleep and Wellness Center: Medications: Carefully prescribed options to promote wakefulness and improve energy. Sleep Habit Guidance: Recommendations to strengthen bedtime routines and improve overall rest quality. Ongoing Support: Regular visits to evaluate progress and make necessary treatment adjustments. Effective management helps maintain energy levels and allows patients to be more productive and alert. 4. Insomnia: When Rest Feels Out of Reach Among the most common sleep disorders, insomnia is a condition in which there is difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep or both, with early morning awakening. Insomnia often results in exhaustion and irritability, poor performance at work, and emotional instability. Treatment Approach:At our clinic, we design individualized plans that focus on addressing the causes of insomnia, whether behavioral, environmental, or medical. With consistent guidance, patients often experience deeper, more restorative sleep and improved daily functioning. 5. Parasomnias and Sleepwalking: Unusual Behaviors During Sleep Parasomnias are sleep disorders that are identified by unusual movements or other behaviors during sleep. Examples of these include sleepwalking, talking. Sometimes harmless, they do nevertheless carry an increased chance of injury or disrupted rest. Treatment at Athens Sleep and Wellness Center:Our specialists create safety-focused management plans that include improving sleep hygiene and using specific techniques or medication when appropriate. These strategies aim to make nighttimerest safer and more peaceful. 6. Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders: When the Body Clock Is Out of Sync Your body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, helps determine when you feel awake or sleepy. When this rhythm falls out of alignment with your schedule or environment, it can lead to chronic sleep difficulties. Treatment Options: Adjusting Sleep Patterns: Guidance to gradually realign your bedtime and waking times. Light Therapy and Medication: When needed, short-term interventions to reset your natural sleep cycle. Lifestyle Support: Continuous follow-up to reinforce long-term healthy sleep patterns. Rebalancing the body’s rhythm often results in more consistent energy and better mood stability throughout the day. How We Help Patients Sleep Better Every patient at Athens Sleep and Wellness Center receives care tailored to their unique situation. Under the care of Dr. Subodh Agrawal, a board-certified sleep specialist, and the dedicated team at Athens Sleep and Wellness Center, patients receive comprehensive evaluations and individualized care for a wide range of sleep disorders. We believe that only sustainable improvements can be achieved by understanding the big picture: how your sleep interacts with your daily habits, your stress levels, and your overall health. We provide ongoing education and follow-up care to guide you toward restorative sleep consistently. Take the First Step Toward Restful Sleep Professional evaluation can provide the key to lasting relief if you or someone you care about is struggling with sleep problems. A good night’s sleep is essential, not a luxury, for optimal well-being. Choosing Athens Sleep and Wellness Center means choosing a dedicated partner, one who values your comfort, progress, and long-term wellness above all else. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Athens Sleep and Wellness Center today and begin your journey toward better, more restorative rest.