Most people think of sleep as something the body naturally slips into when the day ends. For many, that is true. But for millions of Americans, breathing becomes disrupted the moment they fall asleep, and the effects reach far beyond feeling tired in the morning. At Texas Lung Care Associates, the focus is on restoring healthy breathing patterns so patients can sleep more soundly and live with renewed confidence and energy.
Texas Lung Care Associates is home to Gene Veley, MD, FCCP, a triple-board-certified pulmonologist, and nurse practitioner Rachel Bell. Their small, family-owned practice offers a level of personal attention that feels increasingly rare. Patients rely on them for asthma, COPD, chronic cough, pneumonia, lung nodules, lung cancer screening, and a wide range of complex breathing concerns. Among the most common issues they address is sleep apnea, a condition that can quietly affect almost every area of a patient’s life.
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly pauses or becomes shallow during sleep, often without the person realizing it. These interruptions can lead to restless nights, loud snoring, morning headaches, irritability, and persistent daytime fatigue. Many patients describe feeling unfocused or forgetful without understanding why. Over time, untreated sleep apnea may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, irregular heart rhythms, insulin resistance, depression, and anxiety. Some individuals also face a higher risk of accidents due to lack of restorative rest. Nearly ninety percent of people who have sleep apnea are undiagnosed, which means many continue to push through symptoms they no longer recognize as abnormal.
Texas Lung Care Associates provides accurate testing and guides patients through a full range of effective treatment options. Lifestyle changes such as weight management, reducing alcohol intake before bed, improving sleep habits, and adjusting sleep position can all make a meaningful difference. Oral appliance therapy involves a small mouthpiece worn during sleep that gently advances the jaw to help keep the airway open. CPAP therapy remains the most commonly used and highly effective treatment. These devices deliver continuous positive airway pressure that helps patients breathe steadily throughout the night.
For patients who struggle with traditional CPAP masks, Texas Lung Care also offers Inspire, a mask-free hypoglossal nerve stimulation device. Inspire is surgically implanted and works by gently activating the tongue during sleep so the airway stays open. It can be a helpful alternative for individuals who travel often or find masks uncomfortable.
Another advancement gaining attention is Zepbound, a medication approved by the FDA for patients with both obesity and sleep apnea. When combined with healthier habits, it may support weight-loss goals, improve sleep quality, and help regulate energy levels. For many patients, better health begins when treatment includes both medical support and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Many patients at Texas Lung Care Associates report noticeable improvements within weeks of beginning treatment. Better sleep often leads to brighter mornings, more stable mood, improved focus, and a stronger ability to participate in daily routines and family activities. These changes highlight the impact of proper diagnosis and individualized treatment for sleep-related breathing issues.
Beyond sleep apnea care, the practice also offers advanced diagnostic services such as ION robotic-assisted bronchoscopies. This minimally invasive technology allows for highly precise biopsies of lung nodules and supports early detection of lung cancer, when treatment is most effective. Dr. Veley’s training and experience with these procedures provide patients with access to specialized care while preserving the personal attention that defines a smaller practice.
Texas Lung Care Associates remains dedicated to delivering the highest standard of medical care while maintaining warmth, compassion, and individualized support. Every member of the team is committed to clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and attentive care throughout each stage of the patient experience.
For anyone struggling with sleep apnea or another breathing concern, the goal is simple. Help patients find answers, feel supported, and breathe easier. With expert knowledge and a genuine commitment to patient well-being, Texas Lung Care Associates continues to make a meaningful difference for the North Texas community.
Get treated with TLC. Your lungs and your life deserve it.