Symptoms

What is a sleep disorder?

Sleep is important in renewing our mental and physical health each day. Yet more than 100 million Americans regularly fail to get a good night’s sleep. A sleep disorder is often the cause.

Disorders of sleeping and waking lead to a lower quality of life and reduced personal health. They can affect relationships and job performance. They also have been shown to contribute to traffic and industrial accidents. Sleep disorders can lead to problems falling asleep and staying asleep, difficulties staying awake or maintaining a regular sleeping and waking cycle.

A medical condition, stress, psychological issues, or environment factors can cause sleep problems.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea means “without breath.” Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder seen by sleep centers. A person with sleep apnea stops breathing during sleep or their breathing is substantially reduced.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissues in the rear of the throat relax and collapse, closing the airway. It is similar to the way a drinking straw flattens and collapses if you pinch one end closed while you inhale on the other end. With the airway blocked, no breathing occurs and oxygen levels drop. The person may gasp, wake up, then go back to sleep. Sometimes this pattern occurs hundreds of times a night.

It is commonly believed that at least five percent of women and 15 to 20 percent of men between the ages of 30 and 60 have some element of sleep apnea. However, approximately 70 percent of people with sleep apnea have never been diagnosed.

How does sleep apnea affect health?

Sleep apnea has some serious health risks. Importantly, sleep apnea is a risk factor for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Research shows that at least 40 to 50 percent of patients who have had an acute stroke have pre-existing sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Snoring is the most common complaint, along with frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep – something a bed partner is often very aware of. Many people also have daytime sleepiness.

The following may also be associated:

Who is at risk for sleep apnea?

Having a family history of sleep apnea, being male, or overweight are risk factors for sleep apnea. Most sleep apnea patients are overweight, but about 20 percent are of normal weight. A large neck (over 17 inches in males and 16 inches in females) is the most closely correlated physical trait for sleep apnea.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Losing weight and practicing good sleep habits can help relieve symptoms, but the most effective long-term treatment is with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure device). This fitted mask worn at night delivers enough air pressure to keep the upper airway open.

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome is a sleep disorder that occurs in 10 percent of the adult population. It occurs when a person has the urge to move the legs because of unpleasant or “creepy, crawly” sensations in the legs. Restless legs can be treated with medications.

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study or polysomnography is an overnight test that helps physicians diagnose sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. At the sleep center, you sleep in a comfortable private bedroom while your breathing, brainwave activity, muscle tone, eye movements, oxygen levels, and other functions are monitored by small sensors attached to your body. Information from the test is interpreted by a board certified sleep medicine specialist in order to arrive at a diagnosis.

Your personal physician receives the results of the test and will continue your care and treatment. Your physician may refer you to a sleep specialist if appropriate.

Does insurance cover sleep studies?

Sleep disorders are recognized medical conditions that are covered by most insurance carriers.