General Overview of the Service
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious disorder requiring treatment to prevent potentially life-threatening consequences. This condition involves disrupted breathing episodes during sleep which cause a drop in the blood oxygen levels and fragmented sleep. Loud snoring is the main symptom, and the condition gets progressively worse over the years.
How the Service is Done
Obstructive Sleep Apnea affects millions of American adults and is one of the leading causes of heart attack and stroke. Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea is critical.
SYMPTOMS
If you experience the following symptoms, ask your health practitioner for a sleep apnea screening test:
- Persistent or irregular snoring, with pauses or gasps
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Waking with a dry mouth or acidic taste
- Waking with morning headaches
- Complaints of insomnia
- Night sweats
- Rapid weight gain
- Confusion or memory loss
- Irritability or moodiness
Most people are completely unaware of brief awakenings, but because of the sleep disruption, they complain of not feeling refreshed, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue. This affects job performance, energy level, and risk of falling asleep while driving.
In addition, obstructive sleep apnea puts major stress on your heart.
The risks of sleep apnea
- #1 known cause of high blood pressure.
- Triples risk for having a heart attack.
- Increases risk for a stroke
- Potential cause of cardiac arrest and death during sleep.
- Increases risk for diabetes, depression, headaches, memory difficulty and erectile dysfunction.
What Methods are Used
Your health practitioner will discuss your medical history, lifestyle and symptoms, then conduct a physical exam. If there is evidence of sleep apnea symptoms, your practitioner will advise you on appropriate testing.
Possible Side Effects
Your health practitioner will explain any side effects.
Possible Next Steps
Your health practitioner will advise you on follow-up steps.