Healthy+5Winterspring2024spreadsfinal - Flipbook - Page 15
Sleep studies can also be performed at a sleep disorder
center. These include:
• Polysomnography sleep study to measures brain
waves, blood oxygen level, heart rate, breathing, and
movement and to diagnose sleep disorders or to adjust
treatment
• Multiple Sleep Latency Testing, or a daytime nap study,
to measure excessive daytime sleepiness
• Maintenance of Wakefulness Test to determine
whether you are able to stay awake for a defined
period of time
Based on the finding of your study, your doctor may
recommend one of the following treatment options:
Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
Placed at the bedside, a CPAP machine forces pressured air
through a flexible plastic tube that connects to a face mask
you wear while sleeping.
Dental Appliance
Like a mouthguard, this device holds the lower jaw forward
just enough to keep the airway open and prevents blockage
in the upper airway. Dental appliances are recommended
for individuals who are unable to use a CPAP.
Behavioral and Lifestyle Changes
Often, simple lifestyle changes can improve or eliminate
OSA. These include:
• Weight loss
• Sleeping on your side rather than your back
• Eliminating alcohol intake at night
Surgery
Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids are the most common
cause of snoring or sleep apnea children. In 75% of cases,
surgery resolves the problem.
Surgery is a bit more challenging option for adults as it
often difficult to determine what part of the upper airway
is causing the obstruction. Your doctor can discuss the
challenges and potential outcomes of surgery with you.
If you are experiencing any of the signs of sleep apnea—
or notice signs in your bed partner, don’t disregard
them. Contact a healthcare provider for diagnosis and
treatment. ■
SVHEALTHCARE .ORG | HEALTHY+ | 13