Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is
characterized by pauses or decreased breathing lasting at least 10 seconds during sleep
There are three types of sleep apnea:Obstructive (OSA): there is effort to breathe but the
airway is blocked or restrictedCentral (OSA): there is no effort to breathe; the brain
fails to signal the body to breatheMixed (Complex): a mixture of obstructive and
central sleep apneaSleep apnea is diagnosed with an overnight sleep
study
Symptoms of Sleep ApneaLoud snoringWitness apneaWaking gasping for
airExcessive daytime
sleepinessInsomniaFrequent awakenings
during the night; inability to stay asleep
High blood pressure that is not controlled by medication
Waking in the morning with dry mouth
Morning headaches
Risk Factors of Sleep ApneaObesity: BMI greater than 30Male: Sleep apnea is more common in men
than womenAge: more common over the age of 40Family history of sleep apneaSmokingUse of alcohol, sedatives, and/or tranquilizers:
these relax the muscles in the throatHeart diseaseStroke
Effects of Sleep ApneaHigh blood pressure
or other heart problems
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Memory problemsWeight gainImpotenceHeadachesSleep deprive bed
partnersCar accidents
When should you speak with your doctor about a sleep study?
If your bed partner complains of loud snoring and/or has witness you not breathing while asleep
If you wake with a dry mouth or sore throat, cough choking and unable to catch your breath
If you have excessive daytime sleepiness and decreased energy during the day
Inability to remain awake while drivingWake up not feeling refreshed or experience
restless sleepExperience headaches in the morningInability to recall, retain information, mood
changesBe sure to take a completed
Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Sleep Diary with you to your visit!
Treating Sleep ApneaPositive airway
pressure (PAP) therapyCPAPBiPAP
Mandibular devicesSurgical optionsLifestyle changes
(mild sleep apnea)
InsomniaInsomnia is a disorder
that consists of difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, that prevents the affected person from getting enough quality sleep
Those who suffer from insomnia wake feeling un-refreshed or feel they have not slept at all
Symptoms of InsomniaDifficulty falling asleepFrequent awakenings Awakening too earlyExcessive daytime
sleepiness or fatigueHeadachesInability to focus on
tasksIncreased errors or
accidentsIrritability, depression,
and/or anxiety
When to see your physicianYou should see your
physician when you have difficulty functioning during the day and you have tried to improve your sleep hygiene without any results
Take a copy of your completed Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Sleep Diary with you
Your physician may refer you to a sleep specialist
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder (Hypersomnia)
Constant or recurrent events of extreme sleepiness during the day despite getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep
There are many causes for hypersomnia, such as Narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and insomnia, these should be ruled out with sleep testing before treatment of Hypersomnia
Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is characterized by sudden sleep
attacks, insomnia, and sleep paralysis; can occur with cataplexyCataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone,
usually brought on by an emotional responseSymptoms most often begin between the
ages of 10 to 25
NarcolepsySymptoms TreatmentExcessive and
uncontrollable daytime sleepiness
CataplexySleep paralysis- inability
to move or speak when falling asleep or waking
Hallucinations- as you are falling asleep or waking
There is no cure for Narcolepsy
Medications: stimulants to improve alertness
Behavioral therapy: scheduling naps during the day
Talking to your physician about excessive daytime sleepiness
You should see your physician when you have difficulty functioning during the day and you have tried to improve your sleep hygiene without any results
Take a copy of your completed Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Sleep Diary with you
Your physician may refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study and additional testing called a multiple sleep latency test
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)RLS is a neurologic disorder that causes an
overwhelming urge to move the legs While legs are the most commonly affected, it
can be the arms, face, or torsoThe symptoms are different for each
individual, but the sensation is usually couple with unpleasant sensations
It is more severe at night, when restingIt is believed that there is a genetic link for
RLS
RLSSymptoms TreatmentUrge to move legs,
usually associated with an uncomfortable feeling, such as tingling, itching, aching, or creepy
Difficulty falling asleep due to the sensations
May be alleviated by rubbing the legs or getting up and moving around
While there is no cure for RLS there are medications that may help to alleviate the problem
Speaking with your physician about sleep disordersIf you are concerned that
you may have a sleep disorder, speak with your physician explaining your symptoms.
Take your completed sleep diary to help you explain your concerns.
Take a copy of your completed Epworth Sleepiness Scale if you are experiencing daytime sleepiness.
Your physician may refer you to a sleep specialist
Referenceshttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-apne
a/DS00148/DSECTION=risk-factorshttp://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorderss/guid
e/sleep-disorders-overview-factshttp://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/http://www.sleepapnea.org/learn/sleep-apnea.
htmlhttp://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-
related-problems/narcolepsy-and-sleep