What is Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

What is Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by repeated episodes of shallow breathing or pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes can last from a few seconds to several minutes and can occur up to 30 times or more per hour. The lack of oxygen and the disruption of sleep caused by sleep apnea can lead to a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Treatment Options

One treatment option for sleep apnea is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth to help keep the airway open during sleep. While CPAP is effective for many people, some find it difficult to tolerate due to discomfort or claustrophobia.

Another treatment option for sleep apnea is the Inspire device. This is a small, implantable device that uses mild stimulation to keep the airway open during sleep. The Inspire device works by sensing when the wearer is about to experience an episode of sleep apnea, and then activating a small stimulator to contract the tongue and other upper airway muscles, helping to keep the airway open.

The Inspire device is designed for people who have moderate to severe sleep apnea and who have not been able to effectively treat their condition with CPAP or other non-surgical options. The device is implanted during a simple outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. The device is designed to last up to 10 years, though it is not permanent and can be removed if necessary.

To be considered for the Inspire device, a patient must first undergo a sleep study to determine the severity of their sleep apnea. If the patient is found to be a good candidate for the device, they will then have a consultation with a sleep medicine specialist to discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure.

The Inspire device is a relatively new treatment option for sleep apnea, and long-term studies are still needed to fully understand its safety and effectiveness. However, early results have been promising, with many patients reporting significant improvements in their sleep apnea symptoms, as well as in their overall quality of life.

Overall, Inspire is a promising treatment option for individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea who have not been able to effectively treat their condition with CPAP or other non-surgical options. It is a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate and patients reported significant improvements in their sleep apnea symptoms and overall quality of life. It is important to consult a sleep specialist to determine if Inspire is the right treatment option for you.

CBT-I: A Long-Term Sleep Fix

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a natural, side-effect-free sleep treatment. It involves relearning your sleep habits and addressing issues that are getting in the way of quality sleep. Studies show that CBT-I works as well as or better than sleep medications and that its effects last after the treatment is done.1

Fill out Dawn Health’s questionnaire to get started with CBT-I right from your computer — no in-person visits necessary. Quality, natural sleep is possible when you embark on a CBT-I treatment journey.