What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is likely the most common sleep disorder among American adults, with an estimated 1 in 5 people suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat are unable to keep the airway open during sleep. It affects millions of people, yet most don’t know they have OSA and are unaware of its life-threatening dangers. Other less common forms of this condition include central sleep apnea (CSA), where the brain is unable to send the right signals that control breathing throughout a sleep cycle.

What Does Having Sleep Apnea Mean for Me?

Sleep apnea can lead to irregular sleep patterns and low oxygen levels. This dangerous combination of deficiencies may lead to hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, memory loss, and even death.

Sleep Apnea Home Studies

If you believe you might be suffering from sleep apnea, after speaking with your doctor, you will need to document your sleep patterns. Conducting a sleep apnea home study is the best approach to get a comprehensive analysis of your sleep quality. Due to advances in medical technology, these studies can be done in the comfort of your own home with Watermark Medical’s ARES™ Home Sleep Test Solution. These tests are used to diagnose sleep apnea and measure the severity of your condition.

While In-lab sleep studies were historically the gold standard, patients now have the convenient option for an at-home sleep test. There is positive data in testing patients within their home environment, along with the comfort, lower cost, and faster process.

Obstructive sleep apnea

Normal airway

As the sleep market shifts, payors are demanding more cost-effective solutions to the traditional sleep lab experience. High insurance deductibles and cash pay rates often make in-lab sleep testing less attainable for many. However, Home Sleep Tests (HST) are usually covered by insurance at a much lower cost to the patient.

Symptoms

Healthy sleep is key when it comes to maintaining good overall health. Since people who suffer from sleep apnea tend to be sleep-deprived, symptoms may include:

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Difficulty Concentrating

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Stress on Heart

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Headaches

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Insomnia

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Depression

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

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Sexual Dysfunction

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Learning and Memory Difficulties

These symptoms are warning signs. If sleep apnea is left untreated, the condition can create more severe health problems that don’t just affect sleep. OSA increases the risk of high blood pressure, which can also manifest in cardiac arrhythmia, strokes, and congestive heart failure.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, and there is no single cause. However, certain factors increase the risk of developing OSA:

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Small or Narrowed Airway

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Family History

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Obesity & Excess Weight

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Recessed Chin

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Large Overbite

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Neck Size

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Habitual Smoking or Alcohol Use

OSA can be hereditary, as facial structure, body type, and other physical conditions are passed down genetically. Sleep apnea is typically more common in men and older adults, but women can be just as likely to have sleep apnea, especially after menopause.

Treatment

Once testing has confirmed a diagnosis of sleep apnea, medical professionals may recommend a variety of treatment options. Click here to read more about treatment options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Reclaim Your Sleep with Watermark Medical

If you are consistently tired, have interrupted sleep during the night, or have difficulty concentrating or retaining information, then it might be time to evaluate how soundly you’re sleeping. The ARES™ Home Sleep Test allows you to get a reliable, comprehensive diagnosis from the comfort of your own home. Talk to a medical professional today about taking the next steps to safer sleep.