How do I know if I need a sleep study?
Do you snore?
- DOES anyone complain about your snoring?
- DO YOU have excessive daytime sleepiness?
- DOES anyone complain of your excessive movement while sleeping?
- DO YOU awaken in the morning with headaches?
- HAVE YOU ever fallen asleep while driving?
- ARE YOU anxious or depressed?
- DO YOU have a decreased interest in sex?
IF YOU ANSWERED, “YES” TO ONE OR MORE OF THESE QUESTIONS….
You may be one of the many people in America who are affected by sleep disorders ranging from snoring to sleep apnea (interruptions in breathing), to insomnia and narcolepsy (inability to stay awake). You should not be embarrassed by these conditions, but you should be concerned.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that only occurs when you are asleep. If you quit breathing when you are asleep, then you have sleep apnea. These spells of “breath-holding” usually last at least ten seconds in duration. They may occur without you even knowing about them. You may tend to feel low on energy and even drowsy during the day. Other problems you may have are morning headaches, poor memory and concentration, irritability and loss of sex drive. In addition, your spouse may complain that you snore loudly. Some people will even awaken themselves by snoring.
Why does sleep apnea occur?
1. Excessive Tissue – When you are asleep the tongue and other muscles in the throat relax. This floppy tissue can decrease the size of your airway. As a result, your airway closes and airflow stops periodically during sleep.
2. Weight – During sleep, excessive weight around the neck and chest can create a narrowing of the airway due to the weight of muscles relaxing on the throat and chest. If you have a large neck or are clinically overweight you may suffer from sleep apnea.
Do I have sleep apnea?
If you get up in the morning feeling as though you haven't slept, feel irritable, short-tempered, and sometimes have difficulty concentrating, this could be due to depletion of oxygen to the brain. The brain knows just how much oxygen it needs to function properly and without the proper amount you will feel drained. The fact that you don't feel well will show in your actions and performance at school or work the following day. Chronic snorers tend to develop high blood pressure and are more apt to have heart and lung problems than non-snorers.
If snoring or any of the Following in the LIST below AFFECTS you or a loved one contact us …
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Often |
Seldom |
Never |
| Restless Sleep |
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| Very loud, heavy snoring |
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| Daytime sleepiness |
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| Decreased daytime alertness |
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| Irritability or short temper |
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| Morning Headaches |
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| Forgetfulness |
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| Mood or behavior changes |
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| Anxiety or Depression |
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| Decreased interest in sex |
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If you have any one or more of these symptoms you may have sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor to see if testing is recommended
What Else Should I Know?
Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder and will only get worse if left untreated. If this sounds like something that may affect you, please do not hesitate to discuss it with your physician today.
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