8-15-16
Obstructive sleep apnea is serious sleep disorder that affects the amount of oxygen exchange in the body during sleep. Ultimately this can be the cause of serious heart issues. Sleep apnea has become a more prevalent diagnosis over recent years.
Many people do not realize they suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. In severe cases, some patients stop breathing hundreds of times per hour.
In order to determine if a person actually has sleep apnea they must first have a polysomnogram completed. This is the medical term for a sleep study. During your sleep study your sleep activities will be monitored and analyzed. These tests can determine how many times you stop breathing, how significant the decrease of oxygen is, and if you meet all of the necessary sleep cycles necessary to have a good night’s sleep. Once the results are calculated the doctor will then be able to determine the severity of the disease and treatment necessary.
It is possible to snore without having sleep apnea. Snoring is only one sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Many obstructive sleep apnea patients do not snore.
Treatment options for sleep apnea include CPAP machines and oral appliances. Your sleep doctor will determine which one is right for you.
Dr. Wesley Shankland will address your concerns about sleep apnea at the Lima Oral Sleep Center. He can be reached at 419-224-7667.
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