I’ve heard the term a lot lately,
but just what is "sleep apnea" and why is it bad to have?
An apnea is a cessation or stoppage
of airflow. There are three different types of apneas, all sharing
a common symptom - pauses and/or stoppages in breathing.
With
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the upper airway is temporarily blocked
during sleep, causing the sleeper to loudly snore when he or
she tries to breathe. The airway then obstructs, followed by
an interruption in sleep to correct the obstruction. This is
usually associated with a drop in blood oxygen levels and a
rise in blood pressure and heart rate. All of this when the
system is supposed to be at rest!! Sleep apnea interferes with
the ability to sleep soundly and continuously. Affected individuals
often complain that they are not well rested. In addition, to
sleep disruption, the cardiovascular system is stressed, at
a time when it should be resting. Individuals with significant
Obstructive Sleep Apnea have a greatly exaggerated incidence
of high blood pressure and its complications (heart attack,
stroke and heart failure). How is it diagnosed? The first step
for assistance is to talk to your physician about your symptoms.
Your doctor can order an overnight polysomnogram (sleep study),
the tool used to identify a sleep disorder. Ask you physician
to refer you to an Accredited Sleep Disorders Center for the
most accurate diagnostic testing.
How is it diagnosed?
The first step for assistance is to talk to your physician
about your symptoms. Your doctor can order an overnight polysomnogram
(sleep study), the tool used to identify a sleep disorder. Ask
you physician to refer you to an Accredited Sleep Disorders
Center for the most accurate diagnostic testing.
How is it treated?
There are many treatment options, depending on the severity
of the apnea. These range from simply changing the sleep position,
weight loss, surgical alteration of the throat, providing continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP), to wearing a dental device
that repositions the mandible. Each case must be evaluated individually.
What is CPAP?
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure) is a mechanical device that eliminates apneas (stoppages
in breathing) and snoring during sleep. It uses filtered air
at pressure as a splint to force your airway open if it has
been closing upon itself. When used at night, CPAP is the most
effective means of treating sleep apnea and snoring.
(CPAP is over 99% effective with
patients who are compliant to the therapy!)
Will my insurance cover this
test?
Most insurance companies including
Medicare cover sleep studies. Before your test is scheduled,
we will contact your insurance company to find out specific
benefit information including deductibles and possible co-payments
(if any). These calls are documented for your protection.
I work during the week and can
not take a day off; can I do this on a Friday or Saturday night?
Testing is done every night of the
week. If the test is conducted on a night before you work in
the morning, you can be awakened at a specified time. A shower
is available.
Do I continue to take my normal
medications?
Yes, all medications should be continued
as prescribed. Please bring a list of your medications with
you as this information will be useful and help us to evaluate
the results of the study
Who will conduct the test?
Polysomnographic Technologists (sleep
technicians) are highly trained medical professionals. All of
the technical staff are Registered Polysomnographic Technologists
(RPsgT) and/or licensed Respiratory Therapists (RT) who have
cross trained in polysomnography.
Can I bring my own pillow(s)
to the lab?
Yes. You can also bring anything
else that makes you feel comfortable (robe, blanket, slippers,
etc.). We of course provide pillows and all appropriated linens.
Will any of this hurt?
No. All of the sensors are painless
and non-invasive. They are applied with tape or an adhesive
to the surface of the skin.
