Sleep & Snoring
Sleep Center
When snoring is not JUST noise!
Did you know that over 12 million Americans suffer from Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
Apnea is described as stopping breathing for 10-30 seconds; in patients with OSA this can happen up to 400 times a night! Sleep apnea can affect people of any age, from children to adults. In the short term, OSA can cause daytime sleepiness, irritability and loss of concentration. However, since apnea results in lower blood oxygen concentration, it causes the heart to work harder. If left unchecked, OSA can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke.
So how can you tell if you have OSA?
Snoring can be a clue, but not all people that snore have OSA. A sleep study is the gold standard measurement to diagnose OSA. A heavy snorer that also has witnessed episodes of breath pauses or apnea during sleep, daytime sleepiness or fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, history of a stroke should be evaluated with a sleep study.
What happens during your sleep study?
During the sleep study multiple electrodes and sensors will be placed to monitor your sleep stage, horizontal and vertical eye movements, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, airflow, electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse oximetry, respiratory effort and periodic limb movements.
After the sensors have been put in place, you’ll be asked to lie on a bed in the test center and to fall asleep. The sensors will record wake and sleep patterns. Normally results can be obtained in one overnight sleep study.
Click the button below for more information about the sleep center.
So you have OSA, now what do you do?
After your sleep study, the results will be interpreted and sent to LCENT. During your follow-up appointment, Dr. Kitch or Dr. Grady will go over your results and options for treatment. Treatment options usually include behavioral modifications, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances, or surgery.