What is Sleep Apnea?
According to
Dr. David W. Koh, apnea is
a medical term that means "absence of breath". People who stop breathing
while asleep have sleep apnea. Many people have the condition and don't
know. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 10 adults has sleep apnea. To
find out if you are at risk, take the simple test below.
It is important that sleep apnea be treated. People with sleep apnea are a
higher risk for automobile accidents, high blood pressure, stroke, heart
attack, irregular heart beats, and even dying while asleep. Conditions such
as high blood pressure, diabetes, acid reflux, and depression may improve
if sleep apnea is treated.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a painless study done overnight. This study
is done in a "sleep lab" at one of the local hospitals. Once the study
is completed and interpreted, recommendations can be made as to the best
way to treat your condition.
Don't have another restless night. Take this simple test today and call
my office with the results.
Do you suffer from Excessive Daytime Sleepiness?
The following questionnaire will help you measure your level of daytime
sleepiness. You are to rate the chance that you would doze off or fall
asleep during different routine, daytime situations. Answers to the
question are rated on a reliable scale called the Epworth Sleepiness
Scale (ESS). Each item is rated from 0 to 3, with 0 meaning you would
never doze or fall asleep and 3 meaning that there is a very high chance
that you would doze or fall asleep in that situation.
Situation
|
Chance of Dozing (0 to 3)
|
Sitting and reading
|
|
Watching television
|
|
Sitting inactive in a public place, for
example, a theater or meeting
|
|
As a passenger in a car for an hour without
a break
|
|
Lying down to rest in the afternoon
|
|
Sitting and talking to someone
|
|
Sitting quietly after lunch (when you've
had no alcohol)
|
|
In a car, while stopped in traffic
|
|
TOTAL SCORE
|
|
**A score of 11 or greater signifies that you may suffer
from sleep apnea. But help is available and begins with a phone call to
schedule an initial consultation.
Sleep Study Instructions
For Best Results:
1. Do not sleep more than 8 hours the night before the sleep study unless
otherwise instructed.
2. No naps on the day of the test.
3. No caffeine on the day of the test (coffee, tea, Coke, Mountain Dew,
Root Beer, etc.)
4. No chocolate on the day of the test.
5. No alcohol on the day of the test (if you are a regular drinker, please
notify the sleep lab in advance)
6. Bathe and wash your hair at least 12 hours prior to the study.
7. DO NOT apply any hairspray, make-up or body lotions.
8. No finger nail polish.
9. Please show up on time. Much preparation is needed prior to starting a
sleep study.
The Patient Should Bring:
1. All studies are videotaped and therefore some form of sleepwear
needs to be worn (two piece pajamas, sweats, or t-shirts and shorts).
2. Pillow (one is provided in the hospital, but is probably not as
comfortable as your own).
3. Clothing and toiletries for the next day.
4. Any medications normally taken at home.
The Patient is NOT Allowed to do the Following:
1. Bring any form of time devise (wristwatch, alarm clock, etc.).
2. Play a radio.
3. Eat food (except for diabetics).
4. Watch T.V.
5. Have a night light.
6. Have family members in the same room during setup or testing unless
the patient is a minor.
The Patient Should Expect:
1. The test is over when the technicians say the test is over. The
technicians will not be allowed to tell you what time of the night
it is or how much longer the test will be. Normally, the lab will
not wake patients to go to work... it is expected that the patients
will stay as long as it takes to perform the test.
2. Your hair will be a mess after the study. Don not have your hair done
prior to the study.
3. Even if you do sleep in certain positions, the technician will ask you
to sleep in varying positions. Unless there is a medical reason,
please try to comply.
4. No results will be given to any patient from the technicians. Please
do not ask them.
5. The preliminary results will be sent to your physician within 3 working
days of the test. The final results usually take 2 weeks and these may
be somewhat different from the preliminary reading.
