Snoring / Sleep Apnea

Assessment of Snoring
Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder that afflicts more than 12 million people in the United States. It takes its name from the Greek word apnea, which means "without breath." People with obstructive sleep apnea literally stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep due to closure of their airway. This closure often lasts for a minute or longer and may occur hundreds of times during a single night. Partial closure of the airway, called hypopnea, may also occur, along with loud, disruptive snoring. These breathing events can cause repeated awakenings that last for just a few seconds, but often lead to a miserable night of non-restorative sleep.

Obstructive Apnea

Because the airway is narrowed or closed, oxygen cannot get into the lungs and carbon dioxide cannot get out. This combination puts a great strain on the cardiovascular system and may contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. The constant disruption of sleep may also cause a host of other problems including:

• Awakening not rested in the morning
• Falling asleep at inappropriate times
• Uncontrollable weight gain
• Memory loss
• Personality changes
• Hyperactive behavior, especially in children
• Leg swelling (if severe)
• Frequent night sweats
• Depression
• Constant daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Limited attention and concentration
• Poor judgment
• Lethargy and fatigue
• Automatic behavior (performing actions by rote)
• Impotence or loss of sex drive

Obstructive Sleep Apnea can easily be diagnosed by a trained specialist in Sleep Disorders Medicine. Usually, a test known as a polysomnogram is performed, which involves spending the night in a Sleep Disorders Center . This is not as scary as it sounds. You will have your own private bedroom, which looks very much like a hotel bedroom. The staff of the Sleep Disorders Center is trained to make you as comfortable as possible, and is there to assist you while obtaining the necessary data. Nothing sharp or painful is used to make the measurements. The technologists on duty can explain in full what the measuring sensors are recording. They may even institute treatment for you if your doctor has ordered this. (See CPAP.)