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Sleep Problems

Does this sleep disorder affecting millions worldwide affect you?
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Introduction to OSA

There are several causes that may be behind your sleepless nights but the most common sleep disorder affecting 4-5% of the population is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. 

According to Philips Respironics, about 100 million people suffer from OSA with 80% of sufferers remaining un-diagnosed.

People who have OSA stop breathing repeatedly because their airway collapses due to potential factors such as a large tongue, extra tissue in the airway, or decreased muscle tone holding the airway open.

As a result, air is prevented from entering the lungs. This pause in breathing can happen 30+ times per hour.

When sleep is interrupted in this way, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other serious health conditions may increase.

via sleepapnea.com
What is it like to live with Sleep Apnea?

Signs & Symptoms

As opposed to the patient themselves, the first people to usually notice that something isn’t right are the people who sleep near them. This is due to how one stark symptom is the exceedingly loud snoring during the evenings.

During the Day

Early Morning Headaches

Daytime Sleepiness

Poor Concentration

Irritability

Falling Asleep During Routine Activities

During the Night

Loud Persistent Snoring

Witnessed Pauses in Breathing

Choking, Gasping for Air

Restless Sleep

Frequent Visits to the Bathroom

Risks When Untreated

People who do not seek diagnosis and treatment for OSA may increase their risk for:

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Heart Attack
  • Irregular heart rhythm or heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Driving or work-related accidents
  • Type-2 Diabetes
Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions

Discuss sleep complaints and symptoms with your doctor.

If a sleep disorder is suspected, your doctor will refer you to a sleep specialist for proper evaluation.

In many cases, an overnight diagnostic sleep tests (known as a polysomnogram or PSG) will be used to determine the course of action and treatments.

Sleep screening determines that you have a sleep-related breathing disorder, but is unable to determine what the nature of the disorder is. Doctors use sleep screening tools to filter those needing further sleep studies quickly.
 
Sleep tests, however, are comprehensive and able to determine the root cause of the sleep-related breathing disorder. Physicians are able to recommend a course of treatment with the information obtained from a polysomnogram (PSG).

A simple test uses typically 1 or 2 channels of information, usually oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry, and airflow by using a nasal canulla.

Lab titration procedures for the CPAP treatment is typically not performed as trained sleep technicians are only present during the preparation and instruction stage of the study, and do not usually stay for the full course of the test.

Polysomnography involves recording at least 7 channels of information: brain wave information, eye movements, ECG, abdominal and chest efforts, oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry, airflow, and body position during the full course of the test.

Sleep technicians are present during the PSG. They are able to titrate the CPAP treatment, consult with the attending foctor during the test, and intervene during the test if required.

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  • Notice: Voluntary Recall

Philips Respironics announced a voluntary recall for Continuous and Non-Continuous Ventilators (certain CPAP, BiLevel PAP and Ventilator Devices) due to two issues related to the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam used in these devices.

For information on the Recall Notice, a complete list of impacted products, and potential health risks, visit philips.com/src-update. Please contact our office with any questions.

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