News : Sleep apnea testing offered at VGH sleep clinic

Sleep Apnea is a common and treatable disorder that affects millions of men, women and children of all ages, shapes and sizes. Unfortunately it is often undiagnosed, despite the potentially serious consequences of the disorder. It is estimated that at least ten million Americans have unrecognized and/or untreated Sleep Apnea.

‘Apnea Episodes’ are defined as temporary loss of breathing. Many people also suffer from ‘Hypopnea Episodes’. Hypopnea is defined as a decreased effort in an individual’s breathing. This can cause a person to look like they are struggling to catch their breath or even cause them to gasp for air. When these episodes happen, the individual wakes themselves up so they will start breathing again. Unfortunately, due to the constant waking the body is never given the chance to ‘rest’ during sleep. This is why a person feels tired all the time even after getting several hours of sleep.

Consequences of untreated Sleep Apnea include: increased risk of stroke, morning headaches, impotence, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and in some cases even death.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) provides a preset continuous airway pressure. BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) also provides a preset airway pressure for inhalation and a different preset pressure for exhalation. Both of which are delivered by a simple machine that allows the preset pressure to splint the airway open while sleeping. This maneuver significantly decreases and/or eliminates apnea and hypopnea episodes , the individual will have a restful night’s sleep.

We encourage you to ask your provider about receiving testing at Virginia Gay Hospital & Clinics if you or your spouse experience a temporary loss of breathing, snoring episodes or feel tired after sleeping. Receiving treatment for these conditions will increase energy, decrease daytime sleepiness, relieve stress, improve concentration and will have many other health benefits which will lead to a better quality of life.