Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes while you sleep. During central sleep apnea, the airway is not blocked but the brain does not signal the muscles to breath. Mixed apnea is a combination of both. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing numerous times during their sleep. People suffering with sleep apnea have been noted to stop breathing hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. Sleep apnea, if untreated, can cause stroke, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for impairment on the job and motor vehicle accidents. Sleep apnea is very common, as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than twelve million American, according to the national Institutes of Health. Risk factors include, being overweight, age forty and over and being male but sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a short quiz that you can take and discuss with your doctor. If you do not have a physician, you may call our office and we will assist you regarding seeking help for your sleep disorder.

 Click here to take the Epworth Sleepiness Scale quiz
 
 
What happens during my sleep study?
For an overnight sleep study, you will be asked to arrive around 8:15p.m., and you will be taken to your room. You should bring an overnight bag, packed for an overnight stay. Bring any medications with you that you normally will need while away from home.

Next, sensors will be placed on your head and body. These sensors monitor activities during your sleep such as brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, breathing, and leg movements. A qualified technician will stay awake all night and monitor your sleep from another room. We have full size Serta beds so you should be able to turn over or change positions. If you need to use the restroom, simply ask the technician for assistance. You should be ready to leave in the morning around 6:30 a.m.