Sleep Center

Related Topic Links
A Good Night's Sleep
Sleep and Age

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep when structures in the throat block the flow of air in and out of the lungs. It is a relatively common condition that may be found in people of any age but is most common in people between 35 to 55 years of age.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be due to obstruction from the tongue, tonsils, uvula, fatty tissue deposits, or muscle relaxation in the throat which blocks air intake. During an episode, the patient with OSA continues to attempt to inhale against the closed airway. Finally a partial or complete awakening occurs and normal breathing resumes. This return to normal breathing is often marked by a loud snore.

People who suffer from OSA may stop breathing repetitively throughout the night without even knowing it. These recurrent partial awakenings prevent restful sleep. In addition, OSA often is associated with low oxygen levels during these events, and may lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks and heart failure if left untreated.

People who have sleep apnea may be unaware they have it. These are a few questions to ask yourself:

Do I snore?
Is it loud enough that others complain?
Am I tired during the day?
Do I fall asleep at work?
Am I overweight?
Have I been uncharacteristically irritable?
Have I forgotten things?
Do I wake up with headaches?

If you answer yes to most of these questions it may indicate the condition of sleep apnea.

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects that you have sleep apnea, a sleep study may be recommended. A sleep study is a test which measures bodily functions during sleep. During the study, specially trained staff will record measurements including brain waves, heart beats, eye movements, muscle tension, leg movements, breathing efforts, and blood oxygen levels. The results will determine whether or not you have sleep apnea, the type of sleep apnea you have, and what kind of treatment might help you the most.

Polysomnography: Monitoring While You Sleep

The testing process that is used to determine your sleeping condition is called polysomnography. It is a painless, non-invasive procedure in which electrical sensors are attached to your skin. During the test period, we will be able to monitor your brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, breathing pattern, muscle activity, and oxygen levels. You will be able to rest comfortably in a hotel-like room. The body sensors that are applied are painless. You will be able to turn and move during sleep. Generally, you will not be aware that you are wearing these sensors after they have been on for a short time. The result of this test will help us to determine your sleep pattern and recognize abnormal conditions.

Treatment

Sleep apnea can be effectively treated when accurately diagnosed. The most common specific treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). With this therapy, a mask is worn over the nose during sleep. Pressure from a small machine gently blows air through the nasal passageway to keep the airway open, allowing the person to sleep and breathe normally. CPAP often dramatically improves the quality of sleep and relieves the daytime symptoms of sleep apnea. In some patients, however, surgery is the best treatment for maintaining an open airway.

Evaluation

Evaluation for sleep apnea is by physician referral. If you have concerns that you may have sleep apena or suffer from some of the symptoms mentioned above, discuss these with your physician. If you do not have a physician and suspect you have sleep apnea, you may contact the St. Joseph Hospital Sleep Laboratory directly at (716) 891-2782 or the Laboratory for Sleep Related Breathing Disorders at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo at (716) 828-2335. As part of the self-referral procedure, you will be seen by a doctor, who will determine if sleep testing is recommended.

Insurance

Sleep Apnea is a recognized medical condition that is covered by most insurance carriers. Patients are advised to contact the Sleep Laboratory with any specific insurance questions.

For Appointments

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment please call the St. Joseph Hospital Sleep Laboratory at (716) 891-2782 or the Laboratory for Sleep Related Breathing Disorders at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo at (716) 828-2335.