Do you have Sleep Apnea?

A common misconception is that if you are snoring, you must be sleeping in a deep, restful state. In fact, the opposite may be true. If you’ve been told that you snore, or if you experience excessive daytime sleepiness even after a full nights sleep, you could have a serious medical condition called “Sleep Apnea”.


What is it?

Usually when you sleep, the muscles that control the upper airway relax, this is normal. However, if they relax too much the airway narrows and you snore. The muscles can relax even further causing a blockage of the airway and you actually stop breathing. This is called “Obstructive Sleep Apnea” (OSA). Other factors can cause this as well. An enlarged uvula or swollen tonsils, a nasal obstruction or certain facial attributes can also cause OSA. Each episode can last ten seconds or more and has been known to happen hundreds of times a night disrupting your sleep without you even being aware that it’s happening.

Left Untreated...

If you suspect that you might suffer from sleep apnea and you don’t seek treatment you put yourself at risk for:

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Fatigue Related Accidents
  • Heart Attack
  • Strained Relationships
  • Heart Disease
  • Decreased Quality of Life
  • Stroke

    • What Can You Do?

    Once a diagnosis has been made, your options will be explained to you. Together, we determine the most effective treatment for your particular sleep disorder.

    This checklist can help you identify some of the more common signs of sleep apnea.

  • Do you gasp or stop breathing during sleep?
  • Do you often feel tired even after a full nights sleep?
  • Has your energy level decreased?
  • Has your motivation level waned?
  • Do you sometimes have trouble concentrating?
  • Are you overweight?
  • Do you snore?
  • Does anyone in your family have a history of snoring and sleep apnea?
  • Do you suffer from high blood pressure?
  • Have you suffered a stroke or heart attack?
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    While this checklist isn't a substitue for a professional diagnosis, it can help you determine whether or not to seek a professional opinion.