What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
OSA is a condition that causes the muscles in your airway to relax more than they should, leading to repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. Some nighttime symptoms of OSA include:
- Frequent waking
- Pauses in breathing while you sleep
- Feeling out of breath when you wake up
- Snoring
- Restlessness
- Excess sweating
Daytime symptoms include:
- Exhaustion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Mood changes
These symptoms can be frustrating, but our team is here to guide you through every step of the diagnostic and treatment process.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea With an In-Home Study
An in-home sleep study is one of the most convenient ways to diagnose sleep apnea. The study is a simplified version of the kind you would take in a lab. During the study, you’ll wear monitors, including a finger, wrist or chest sensor, that track your oxygen levels and breathing patterns while you sleep.
In-Home Sleep Studies Vs. In-Lab Studies
At-home sleep studies don’t use the same sensors as in-lab studies. In a sleep lab, we may use additional sensors to track brainwave activity, heart electrical activity and eye movements.
Your provider will likely prescribe an in-home study if they strongly suspect you have OSA or if your circumstances have changed since the initial diagnosis, such as after weight loss or corrective surgery.
Preparing for a Sleep Study
Don’t consume caffeine or alcohol the day of the sleep study, and avoid afternoon naps that could interfere with your ability to fall asleep. When it’s time for the study, simply attach the sensors to your finger, wrist and chest and go to bed like you normally would.
Treating Sleep Apnea
There are several treatment options for OSA, the most common being continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to the upper airway to keep it from collapsing.
The second option is an Inspire implant. The implant has two parts, one under the jaw and one near the collarbone. While you sleep, it gently stimulates the nerves that control muscles in your throat, preventing them from collapsing.
Additional treatments include oral appliances that advance the lower jaw or stabilize the tongue to keep the airway open, and lifestyle changes like adjusting your sleeping position and maintaining a healthy weight.
Starting the Journey to Deeper Sleep
Our experienced team at Collin County ENT is here to help you rest easy. Call us today to schedule your consultation with one of our sleep specialists.