Sleep & Snoring Treatment

Apnea is described as stopping breathing for 10-30 seconds; in patients with OSA this can happen up to 400 times a night! Sleep apnea can affect people of any age, from children to adults. In the short term, OSA can cause daytime sleepiness, irritability and loss of concentration. However, since apnea results in lower blood oxygen concentration, it causes the heart to work harder. If left unchecked, OSA can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke.

Snoring can be a clue, but not all people that snore have OSA. A sleep study is the gold standard measurement to diagnose OSA. A heavy snorer that also has witnessed episodes of breath pauses or apnea during sleep, daytime sleepiness or fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, history of a stroke should be evaluated with a sleep study.

For some patients, a sleep study can be done in the comfort of their own home and bed. A small device is shipped to the home, and you wear it to bed for 3 nights of recording, then ship it back. The data from the machine are then processed and reported to us.
For some patients, a single night monitored sleep study in a sleep lab can be done. During the sleep study multiple electrodes and sensors will be placed to monitor your sleep stage, horizontal and vertical eye movements, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, airflow, electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse oximetry, respiratory effort and periodic limb movements.
After the sensors have been put in place, you’ll be asked to lie on a bed in the test center and to fall asleep. The sensors will record wake and sleep patterns. Normally results can be obtained in one overnight sleep study.

After your sleep study, the results will be interpreted and sent to The Charleston Sinus Center. During your follow-up appointment, our doctors will go over your results and options for treatment. Treatment options usually include behavioral modifications, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances, or surgery.