The following questions will help evaluate your sleep history and show how certain aspects of your lifestyle may impact your sleep.

1. Do you snore?

2. Do you wake up gasping or choking sensation?

3. Do you have sleepiness or fatigue?

4. Do you have morning headaches?

5. Do you wake up feeling unrefreshed?

6. Do you frequently wake up with dry mouth?

7. Do you have witnessed apneas? (breathing pauses in sleep)

8. Do you frequently toss and turn on the bed with restless sleep?

9. Are you overweight?

10. Do you have hypertension?

If you answered YES to three or more of the above questions, you may suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and should consult your doctor for further advice or contact Lakeview Pulmonary & Sleep Consultants LTD.

There are several different types of sleep disorders:

Snoring is a sound caused by turbulent airflow vibrating upper airway soft tissue. Risk factors include obesity, nasal obstruction, the spine position. Family member or spouse may witness snore-associated gasps and choking which is strong indication of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) means stopping breathing due to collapse of the upper airway during sleep. This typically happens with larger neck size and obesity. This repeated airway collapse leads to apneas, arousals and low blood oxygen levels. This in turn causes excessive daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms include gagging and choking sensations during sleep. Is a common sleep-related breathing disorder associated with increased risk of Cardiovascular diseases (Hypertension, Heart attack, Heart failure) and driving accidents. New study showed that patients with OSA have enlarged hearts that pump less effectively, but treating the problem significantly improved the heart function and symptoms. It is also associated with poor quality of life.

Insomnia. Difficulty to initiate and maintain sleep. Transient Insomnia may last few days but chronic Insomnia may last for weeks to months. This conditions can be caused by daily stress, depression, panic, poor sleep hygiene, caffeine, alcohol, chronic pain, asthma, COPD, shift work or jet lag.

Narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is characterized by sleepiness attacks, dreaming while awake. People with narcolepsy can fall asleep suddenly. These “sleep attacks” can happen while eating, walking or driving. They also often experience hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there).

Restless Leg Syndrome is described as a strong urge to move the legs associated with creepy and crawly sensations in the legs. Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep is a related conditions and is associated with leg movements in sleep. These movements can be out of your control and can cause frequent arousals and disruption to sleep.

Dr. Buddharaju, director of the Lakeview Sleep Center and a board-certified specialist in sleep medicine, provides consultations for initial diagnoses and follow-up care to discuss further treatment plans with patients.

 

 

For more information, go to the Learn More About Sleep Disorders & Treatment section of this site or visit the following links:

• American Sleep Association
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• American Sleep Apnea Association
• National Center for Sleep Disorders Research
• American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)