Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep, blocking the airway and interrupting normal breathing rhythm. This obstruction of the upper airway leaves a person without air for dangerous periods of time. Signs that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea include loud snoring, nighttime gasping or choking/coughing, pauses in breathing during sleep, restlessness and frequent waking. Waking symptoms may include extreme sleepiness, depressing, morning headaches and poor performance at work or school.
Prolonged sleep apnea can also increase risk for conditions such as fatigue-related accidents, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which provides a gentle flow of positive air pressure through a nasal mask to keep the airway open during sleep.
Results of CPAP therapy include:
- Normal breathing rhythm
- An end to snoring
- Restful sleep
- Normal blood oxygen levels
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced or eliminated risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke or diabetes
Sleep Disorders Self-Test
- Have you been told by a friend of family member that you snore?
- Have you been told you have pauses in your breathing during sleep?
- Do you often feel tired or have a headache when you awake in the morning?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- Do you have diabetes?
If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, you may benefit from a sleep study. This test is only an indicator, not a diagnosis. Please share these indicators with your physician for a referral or schedule a consultation with a sleep specialist at (877) 866-8763.
To Find Answers about Sleep Disorders
Your physician may call to order a sleep study, or you may call to schedule a consultation with a sleep specialist at (877) 866-8763.
Performed in a private sleep room, an overnight sleep study analyzes your body’s sleep patterns. This analysis is done by placing special sensors on your body to record the activity of your heart, lungs, brain and muscles. The study also monitors the air flow from your nose and mouth, as well as the level of oxygen in your blood.
Most major insurance providers, as well as Medicare, cover sleep studies. But as with any medical procedure, it is always advised to verify coverage with your insurance provider before scheduling a sleep study appointment.
Yes. The technologist will show you what needs to be done if you need to get up during the night. Or you may call the technologist to assist you at that time.
Because we are conducting a medical procedure, it is necessary for you to sleep alone. However, if the patient is a minor or has special needs, a family member may accompany the patient. Please notify the center in advance so we can make arrangements to ensure the comfort of both patient and accompanying family member.
