expert type icon EXPERT

henery lordnan

Sleep Medicine Specialist (Pediatric) | Sleep Medicine

Dr. henery lordnan practices Sleep Medicine in Gardena, California. Dr. lordnan studies, diagnoses, and treats sleep disturbances and disorders due to varying factors. Sleep Medicine Physicians are trained to treat many different conditions, including insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, idiopathic hypersomnia, menstrual-related hypersomnia, and circadian rhythm disturbances, among others.
henery lordnan
  • Gardena, California
  • Accepting new patients

What are the treatments for sleep apnea?

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of the condition and the specific type (obstructive, central, or complex). Here are common treatment options: CPAP Therapy (Continuous READ MORE

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of the condition and the specific type (obstructive, central, or complex). Here are common treatment options:

CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): This is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A CPAP machine uses a hose connected to a CPAP mask or nosepiece to deliver constant air pressure to keep the airway open while you sleep. It's highly effective in reducing the symptoms of OSA, such as snoring and daytime sleepiness.

Lifestyle Changes:

Weight Loss: Excess weight can contribute to sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. Losing weight can reduce the severity of symptoms.
Positional Therapy: Some people experience sleep apnea only when they sleep on their back. Sleeping on the side may help alleviate symptoms.
Avoiding Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax the muscles in the throat, which can worsen sleep apnea.
Oral Appliances: For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, dental devices (also called mandibular advancement devices) can be used to reposition the lower jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open. These are typically used for people who can't tolerate CPAP therapy.

Surgery: Surgery is considered when other treatments are ineffective. Surgical options include:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removal of excess tissue in the throat to widen the airway.
Genioglossus advancement: Surgery to reposition the muscle that controls the tongue.
Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA): A procedure that moves the upper and lower jaw forward to open the airway.
Nasal Surgery: If nasal obstruction is contributing to sleep apnea, procedures such as septoplasty or turbinoplasty may be done.
Positive Airway Pressure Devices for Central Sleep Apnea: If sleep apnea is central (caused by a failure in the brain’s signals to the muscles that control breathing), adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines are sometimes used. These devices adjust the air pressure based on detected breathing patterns.

Treatment for Underlying Conditions: If sleep apnea is caused or worsened by conditions like heart failure, diabetes, or obesity, treating these conditions may help improve sleep apnea symptoms.

Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia or other related issues like anxiety can sometimes help in managing symptoms, particularly in people with central sleep apnea.

What are the risks and benefits of sleep aids?

Sleep aids can offer quick relief for insomnia, helping to improve sleep quality by allowing people to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This can be especially useful READ MORE
Sleep aids can offer quick relief for insomnia, helping to improve sleep quality by allowing people to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This can be especially useful for those dealing with short-term issues like stress or jet lag. However, their use carries risks, such as dependency, tolerance (requiring higher doses over time), and potential side effects like dizziness, daytime drowsiness, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, long-term reliance on sleep aids may mask underlying issues like anxiety or depression and disrupt natural sleep cycles. Always consult a healthcare provider to ensure safe use, especially for long-term treatment options.

What are the potential causes of insomnia, and how can it be treated?

Insomnia can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, medications, or poor sleep habits. Treatment typically involves improving READ MORE
Insomnia can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, medications, or poor sleep habits. Treatment typically involves improving sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, alongside therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). In some cases, medications may be prescribed, but they are usually recommended for short-term use while addressing the root causes of insomnia.

How long will the treatment process take for insomnia?

The treatment process for insomnia can vary depending on the underlying causes, severity, and the treatment approach. For mild insomnia, lifestyle changes and improving sleep hygiene READ MORE
The treatment process for insomnia can vary depending on the underlying causes, severity, and the treatment approach. For mild insomnia, lifestyle changes and improving sleep hygiene may show results within a few weeks. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), considered one of the most effective treatments, typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for noticeable improvements. If medications are used, they may provide immediate relief but are often recommended only for short-term use. For chronic insomnia or cases linked to other health conditions, the treatment may take longer and could involve a combination of therapies. It’s important to follow up with a healthcare provider regularly to adjust treatment as needed.