THE FIRST STEP TO GETTING TESTED When you are suspected of obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, the first step is seeing a sleep medicine specialist who can access your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors including sleep patterns, and conduct a questionnaire, which includes patient medical history, family history, social history, sleep history and…
It is estimated that between 50-150 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder. What are Common Sleep Disorders that are tested for? Why was a sleep study ordered for me? Many sleep disorders can be discovered during a sleep study. When should I arrive for my sleep study? You will be scheduled for…
What is Periodic Limb Movement Disorder? What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)? Recent Statistics: 80% of patients with RLS have PLMD 50% of patients with PLMD, have RLS Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) PLMD most often occurs in the lower legs while you sleep. Periodic limb movements last from a few minutes to an hour…
CPAP, BiPAP, Auto CPAP (APAP), Auto SV and Adapt SV Therapy COMMON CONCERNS AND TIPS TO HELP I. Nasal stuffiness or congestion – Usually resolved by: II. Dry mouth – Usually resolved by: III. Mask leak – Symptoms include: Usually resolved by: IV. Redness on face or nose – Usually resolved by: V. Too much…
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a screening tool that helps identify symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The questionnaire is made up of eight questions, four of which are self-reported and four of which are demographic. The acronym STOP-BANG stands for the four self-reported questions, which are: The four demographic questions are: STOP BANG Questions: Each question is answered…
Signs and Symptoms of OSA Risk Factors of OSA What is OSA? As shown in the image above, OSA occurs when your throat muscles relax during sleep, causing the throat to narrow or close. The suspension of breathing from a completely blocked airway is an obstructive apnea. A partially blocked airway, with reduced airflow is…
A look at the body’s natural time cues: Circadian Rhythms are the natural rhythm of biological and psychological processes that normally cycle in a 24-hour period. They influence our body temperature, sleep and wakefulness, hormone levels. Circadian Cycles are influenced by sunlight and other time cues. For most of us, the cycle is very close…
It is estimated that 50-150 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. One of the most common is insomnia, which is characterized by trouble falling or staying asleep. Insomnia is a problem for 1 out of every 3 adults and is most common among women and older adults. If you have ever suffered from insomnia,…
Everybody (men, women, teens and children) needs quality sleep—and everyone depends on sleep to support health, healing, memory, and the ability to function well throughout the day. Why adult men and women both need a recommended seven to eight hours of sleep, how does sleep needs and issues differ from men and women, throughout the…