Sleep Apnea refers to any disorder in which there are breaks or pauses in a person’s breathing during sleep – The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Most people who have OSA also snore, but not all snorers have OSA.

Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Loud snoring
  • Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
  • Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
  • Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Morning headache
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day
  • Experiencing mood changes, such as depression or irritability
  • High blood pressure
  • Nighttime sweating
  • Decreased libido

Consult a medical professional if you experience, or if your partner observes, the following:

  • Snoring loud enough to disturb your sleep or that of others
  • Waking up gasping or choking
  • Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
  • Excessive daytime drowsiness, which may cause you to fall asleep while you’re working, watching television or even driving a vehicle

The diagnosis of OSA that is occurring in someone without any other major medical condition can be easily done in the comfort of own home using a Home Sleep Test.
At iSleepClinic.com we provide a thorough Diagnostic Assessment for Sleep Apnea

The Gold standard Treatment for OSA is by Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). In this highly effective therapy, a mask is worn over the nose during sleep. Nasal CPAP provides a pressure splint to the upper airway, allowing the person to sleep and breathe normally. More recently, the use of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) using a Mandibular Device to hold your jaw forward and hence keep your airway stable during sleep is becoming more popular as a treatment for Mild to Moderate OSA where the OSA is worse on your back.

OSA left untreated is associated with a much poorer long term outcome and increases the risk of cardiovascular, pulmonary and other diseases.

Disruption of sleep caused by frequent interruption of breathing, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, memory lapses, inattention, personality changes, poor work performance, increased likelihood of driving and industrial accidents.

Dangerously low levels of oxygen can lead to potential heart problems and other health disorders, including: depression, mood changes, memory loss, weight gain, impotency and headaches.

Pressure changes in the throat can lead to an irregular heart beat. There is an increased risk of high blood pressure, premature heart disease and stroke.

If you require further information, please contact us.