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Sleep apnea is a common disorder involving repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, often caused by structural abnormalities or brain malfunctions. It occurs when the upper airway is blocked, leading to shallow breathing or pauses. Risk factors include enlarged tonsils, obesity, cardiovascular issues, smoking, family history, nasal congestion, and relaxed throat muscles.

There are different types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Soft tissue at the throat's back obstructs the airway.
2. Central Sleep Apnea: The airway remains open, but the brain fails to signal breathing muscles.
3. Mixed Sleep Apnea: Combines aspects of obstructive and central apnea.

Symptoms include loud snoring, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, dry mouth, and abrupt awakenings. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, symptom review, and diagnostic tests. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks. Surgical options include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and maxillomandibular advancement. Custom oral appliances can also be used for treatment.

Snoring is caused by vibrations of the soft palate when the airway is partially obstructed during sleep, often by throat tissue. While usually harmless, it can indicate health issues and disrupt sleep for individuals and partners. Causes include nasal congestion, alcohol consumption, smoking, sleep apnea, and mouth/jaw abnormalities. Obese individuals may experience airway constriction due to throat fat.

Symptoms vary but may include noisy sleep, morning sore throat, dry mouth, restless sleep, and high blood pressure. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and sometimes X-rays or CT scans. Treatments range from lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications to corrective mouthpieces, nasal dilators, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In severe cases, surgical options like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or rhinoplasty may be considered.

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, where individuals may struggle to stay awake for extended periods and may experience spontaneous, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime. While the specific cause of narcolepsy remains unknown, it is believed to be influenced by genetic factors, stress, or an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, potentially related to low levels of the neurochemical hypocretin.

The symptoms of narcolepsy include excessive daytime sleepiness, disrupted nighttime sleep, fatigue, tiredness, and sleep paralysis. Some individuals with narcolepsy may also exhibit other neurological or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or insomnia. Cataplexy, characterized by sudden muscle tone loss leading to weakness, slurred speech, and temporary paralysis, is another symptom. Additionally, individuals with narcolepsy may experience dream-like hallucinations during the transition between sleep and wakefulness.

Diagnosing narcolepsy involves a thorough examination of the patient's medical and sleep history. Blood tests may be conducted to rule out underlying conditions, and diagnostic tests such as EEG and ECG may be employed. Sleep tests, including polysomnogram and multiple sleep latency test, are often performed in specialized sleep centers.

Although there is currently no cure for narcolepsy, various treatment options aim to manage symptoms and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. Treatment may include the use of antidepressants, stimulants to promote wakefulness, and other medications. Home-based strategies like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, incorporating scheduled naps, and engaging in regular exercise can also be beneficial. Patients with narcolepsy may find relief by avoiding alcohol and nicotine.

Our practice extends telehealth services to patients with narcolepsy, catering to locations throughout Texas, including cities like Houston, Cypress, Galveston, Canyon Lake, Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Copperfield Place, Westbranch, Lakewood Forest, Texas City, Hockley, and Port Arthur. Through a personalized and comprehensive treatment approach, individuals with narcolepsy can effectively manage their condition and improve their overall well-being under Mr. Lawson's care.

Insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, affects approximately 1 in 10 people in the United States. Our practice offers telehealth services to treat insomnia for patients across Texas. There are two types of insomnia: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia occurs without any other medical condition, often linked to factors like stress, trauma, anxiety, or changes in schedule. Secondary insomnia is caused by another medical disorder or medications.

Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling or staying asleep, daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, increased mistakes or accidents, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, medical history, and sometimes blood tests or a sleep diary.

Treatment depends on the cause. For secondary insomnia, addressing the underlying medical condition or adjusting medications may be necessary. Primary insomnia can be treated with behavioral changes, medications for anxiety or depression, and sleep medications. Treatment approaches include relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, changing sleep patterns, sleep restriction, and light therapy. Patients are often advised to make small lifestyle changes, such as limiting bedroom activities to sleep and sex.

Locations served include cities like Houston, Addicks Park Ten, Westbranch, Willowbrook, Lakewood Forest, Hockley, Copperfield Place, Cypress, Texas City, Canyon Lake, Port Arthur, and Galveston.

Bruxism is a disorder characterized by teeth grinding, gnashing, or clenching, often occurring at night. While occasional grinding is harmless, frequent episodes can lead to dental damage and other oral complications. Individuals with bruxism are at a higher risk of experiencing sleep-related disorders like snoring or sleep apnea. Risk factors include jaw abnormalities, stress, anxiety, other sleep disorders, and dental issues.

Symptoms of bruxism include enamel wear, chipped or fractured teeth, inner cheek or tongue damage, facial or jaw pain, tight jaw muscles, earaches, temple headaches, difficulty sleeping, increased tooth sensitivity, and a clicking sound in the jaw. Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection.

Treatment options involve lifestyle changes, relaxation exercises, and using a custom mouth guard at night to protect teeth. In severe cases, muscle relaxants, orthodontic adjustments, or surgery may be considered. Damaged teeth should be addressed by consulting a dentist. Bruxism in children, while often resolving on its own, should be monitored to prevent complications.

Our practice provides telehealth services for patients with bruxism in Texas, including locations such as Houston, Cypress, Port Arthur, Canyon Lake, Addicks Park Ten, Willowbrook, Hockley, Copperfield Place, Westbranch, Lakewood Forest, Texas City, and Galveston

Snoring is caused by vibrations of the soft palate when the airway is partially obstructed during sleep, often by throat tissue. While usually harmless, it can indicate health issues and disrupt sleep for individuals and partners. Causes include nasal congestion, alcohol consumption, smoking, sleep apnea, and mouth/jaw abnormalities. Obese individuals may experience airway constriction due to throat fat.

Symptoms vary but may include noisy sleep, morning sore throat, dry mouth, restless sleep, and high blood pressure. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and sometimes X-rays or CT scans. Treatments range from lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications to corrective mouthpieces, nasal dilators, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In severe cases, surgical options like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or rhinoplasty may be considered.