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People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times a night. When this happens, the brain — and the rest of the body — may not get enough oxygen. And if sleep apnea continues to go untreated, it can cause life threatening complications, including high blood pressure and heart disease. At the UPMC Division of Sleep Surgery, our experts are some of the most experienced in the country at managing sleep apnea, either with medication, assist devices, or surgery.
This segment will cover:
- What is sleep apnea?
- How is it traditionally managed?
- What is the new groundbreaking surgical approach for treating sleep apnea?
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string(4340) "Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) afflicts more than 22 million adults in the United States. The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that, of the Americans who suffer from moderate to severe OSA, as many as 80 percent are undiagnosed and untreated. Increasingly, doctors are viewing sleep disorders like OSA as a major public health concern.
When people suffer from OSA, their sleep is anything but restful. With OSA, your upper airway becomes narrowed or blocked, which causes you to briefly but repeatedly stop breathing throughout the night. The brain, sensing a drop in oxygen, then causes you to snort or gasp for breath. "Loud, chronic snoring can be a sign of OSA, so your spouse or bed partner is usually the first person to know there's a problem," explains Craig Viti, MD, of Pulmonary Consultants-UPMC.
A Hidden Health Hazard
Daytime fatigue is a common symptom of OSA. Until recently, the medical community has been most concerned about the effects of sleep apnea on driving. Research has shown that people with OSA are up to five times more likely than normal sleepers to have traffic accidents. That statistic has drawn national attention, resulting in important legislation at both the state and federal level to curb drowsy driving.
"Just as importantly, numerous cardiovascular health problems — such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke — as well as type 2 diabetes and depression — have recently been linked to OSA," says Dr Viti.
Research findings published in the journal Anesthesiology also report that patients with unreported sleep apnea are twice as likely to have surgery-related respiratory complications. As a result, there's been a growing effort among anesthesiologists and surgeons to identify and treat sleep apnea before surgery to minimize complications.
Getting Help for OSA
While sleep apnea is surprisingly common, many cases go undiagnosed. "Your doctor can't detect if you have sleep apnea during a routine visit," explains. Dr. Viti. "You need to report symptoms of OSA to your doctor, who will order a sleep study or polysomnography."
Until recently, sleep studies were only conducted in sleep study laboratories. Cost and access kept many people from getting tested. "But smaller, portable monitors are now available for home testing that provide satisfactory data to secure a diagnosis in many patients suspected of having OSA," reports Dr. Viti. Most patients find a home-based study to be less cumbersome, more comfortable and convenient, and less costly," he adds.
Pulmonary Consultants-UPMC offers a comprehensive portable sleep program directed by board-certified sleep physicians. Patients undergo a complete evaluation before and after a portable study is done. If your study results are positive for OSA, Pulmonary Consultants-UPMC has the expertise to thoroughly review all therapeutic options with you. "Our highly trained staff works with our patients in all aspects of their care and education," says Dr. Viti.
Because home sleep tests aren't for everyone, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has established specific criteria for eligibility. "Identifying appropriate patients for portable home-based sleep evaluation versus a formal in-lab study is also an important component of our program. We collaborate closely with the patient's referring physician and pay close attention to other related medical issues."
For More Information
To learn more, visit the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center or call 412-692-2880 to schedule an appointment.
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string(494) "Doctors are viewing sleep disorders like OSA as a major public health concern. More than 22 million adults in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with as many as 80 percent living without a diagnosis or treatment. With OSA, your upper airway becomes narrowed or blocked, which causes you to briefly but repeatedly stop breathing throughout the night – which can lead to serious side effects. Read more to discover how sleep apnea could affect you or someone you love."
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Doctors are viewing sleep disorders like OSA as a major public health concern. More than 22 million adults in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with as many as 80 percent living without a diagnosis or treatment. With OSA, your upper airway becomes narrowed or blocked, which causes you to briefly but repeatedly stop breathing throughout the night – which can lead to serious side effects. Read more to discover how sleep apnea could affect you or someone you love.Read More
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string(3209) "Feeling like a zombie this morning? You're not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from a lack of sleep or sleep deprivation. Even if you make the effort to get to bed early, there may be a number of reasons why you can't get your proper amount of rest to help you feel functional the next morning. You may be surprised by these ten common reasons why you're not getting enough sleep:
- Late Night Snacks – The late night munchies spell disaster for more than your diet. Eating and drinking too close to your bedtime can cause heartburn and the need to use the bathroom during the night. Fill up on a healthy dinner so you're not tempted to snack!
- Anxiety – Worries from the work day keeping you awake? Lying awake thinking will only cause you more anxiety! Break the cycle by reading a book until you're tired and relaxed enough to doze off.
- Temperature – If you're too hot or too cold, odds are, you will wake up in the middle of the night. Before bed, find the ideal temperature using your thermostat and a blanket, so you can sleep soundly through the night.
- Electronics – Too much stimulation (and artificial light) before bed can make falling asleep incredibly difficult.
- Alcohol – Having a nightcap before bed may sound tempting, but even though it may make you feel sleepy, it fragments your sleep. To wake up feeling less zombie-like, skip the alcohol.
- Caffeine – Coffee, tea, and energy drinks may be your go-to morning boost, but drinking them too late in the afternoon can keep you awake.
- Sleep Schedule – Make a schedule and stick to it. Going to sleep and waking up at different times every day stops your body's natural sleep rhythm, making it even harder to get a good night's rest.
- Exercising – There's no denying that breaking a sweat is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, raising your heart rate right before bed makes it harder to fall asleep, so opt for a morning workout instead.
- Artificial Light – Light dictates your body's natural sleep pattern, so switch off that bedside lamp and you'll find yourself drifting off much faster.
- Sleep Apnea – This sleep disorder is marked by disruptions in breathing during the night, which causes you to wake up abruptly. Seeking treatment will drastically improve your sleep!
Do you feel like any of these reasons apply to you? Are you tired of being tired? Visit the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center online to learn more about sleeping habits or to schedule a sleep study to uncover the reason why you haven't been getting the right amount of sleep.
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string(409) "Millions of Americans suffer from a lack of sleep or sleep deprivation. Even if you make the effort to get to bed early, there may be a number of reasons why you can’t get your proper amount of rest to help you feel functional the next morning. Anything from anxiety to artificial light could be disrupting your sleep patterns. Read more to discover ten common reasons you feel like a zombie in the morning."
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Millions of Americans suffer from a lack of sleep or sleep deprivation. Even if you make the effort to get to bed early, there may be a number of reasons why you can’t get your proper amount of rest to help you feel functional the next morning. Anything from anxiety to artificial light could be disrupting your sleep patterns. Read more to discover ten common reasons you feel like a zombie in the morning.View Infographic
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string(2399) "Are you constantly feeling tired despite going to bed at a reasonable hour each night? Getting quality sleep is as important as getting enough hours of shut-eye. If you're struggling to fall asleep or staying asleep, or get blamed for snoring a lot, you could be one of the millions of Americans suffering from one of these common sleep disorders. View the infographic below to learn more.
Types of Sleep Disorders
- Sleep Apnea – one of the most common sleep disorders that disrupts breathing during sleep. Typically with a 10+ second pause between breaths. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud/chronic snoring, choking or gasping, waking up with a sore throat, and morning headaches.
- Narcolepsy - a neurological disorder caused by the brain's inability to regulate sleep normally. Signs of narcolepsy can include excessive sleepiness and fatigue, loss of muscle control (cataplexy), insomnia, and hallucinations. It should be noted that people with narcolepsy don't actually sleep any more than a normal person.
- Sleepwalking (somnambulism) – Walking or performing complex behaviors while asleep. Contrary to popular belief, sleepwalkers should be awakened to prevent them from causing harm to themselves.
- Insomnia - Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. The symptoms of insomnia are pretty obvious and can include difficulty falling/staying asleep, waking up too early, feeling tired, and disturbances in mood.
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) – Overwhelming and often unpleasant urges to move the legs while at rest. Symptoms are not easy to define. Some people use comparisons, such as "like ants crawling through my legs" or "like soda running through my veins" to describe their RLS.
- Sleep Paralysis – A temporary inability to move or speak when REM sleep is interrupted. It can last for mere seconds, or drag on for minutes. People that experience sleep paralysis often say that they feel like someone is in their room or something is on their chest.
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string(365) "Are you constantly tired…even if you’ve had a full night’s rest? Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep once you do? Have you been accused of “sawing logs?" Before you blame your mattress, read about these common sleep disorders. They could be keeping your body from getting the sleep it needs, which can lead to bigger problems down the road."
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Are you constantly tired…even if you’ve had a full night’s rest? Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep once you do? Have you been accused of “sawing logs?” Before you blame your mattress, read about these common sleep disorders. They could be keeping your body from getting the sleep it needs, which can lead to bigger problems down the road.View Infographic
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string(3024) "Do you wake up feeling like a zombie? Do you have trouble keeping your eyes open at work or school, or even while driving? You might be one of the 12 million-plus Americans feeling the effects of a disorder known as sleep apnea.
Even though you may be getting to bed at a reasonable hour and assuming you're getting a normal night's sleep, sleep apnea can subtly interrupt the quality of your sleep, making you feel tired and lethargic in the morning.
Sleep apnea has many other effects on the body, but this is certainly one of the most recognizable symptoms of a disorder you may not even be aware you have.
Serious Consequences of Sleep Apnea
Most people don't know they have obstructive sleep apnea, usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses when sleeping, says Patrick J. Strollo, Jr., MD, medical director of the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center. That leads to a drop in oxygen levels, prompting the brain to send a surge of adrenalin signaling the person to wake and take a deep breath. That kick-start also leads to a spike in blood pressure.
According to the National Institutes of Health, this common disorder causes breathing pauses while you sleep. These pauses can last a few seconds, or even minutes — as often as 30 times, or more, an hour.
"It's a burden on the cardiovascular system and affects the quality of your rest," says Dr. Strollo. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems and even cause deadly accidents.
Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but it is a major clue. Since sleep apnea only occurs during sleep, a family member or bed partner might be the first to notice.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Loud and chronic snoring — sometimes with pauses.
- Choking or gasping following pauses
- Feeling tired or sleepy, even after sleeping all night
- Waking up with a very sore or dry throat
- Daytime sleepiness, or lack of energy
- Morning headaches
- Restless sleep, waking up during the night, or insomnia
- Trouble concentrating or problems with learning and memory
- Depression and irritability
- Sexual dysfunction
Consult your primary care physician or family doctor if you've experienced any of these symptoms. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious consequences on your waking life and your health. For more information, visit the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center online or call 412-692-2880.
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string(395) "If you’re getting to bed at a reasonable hour but still feeling tired and lethargic in the morning, you might be one of the 12 million-plus Americans feeling the effects of sleep apnea. This disorder can subtly interrupt the quality of your sleep, but most people don’t even realize they have it. Read more to discover the signs of sleep apnea and what you can do if you experience symptoms."
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If you’re getting to bed at a reasonable hour but still feeling tired and lethargic in the morning, you might be one of the 12 million-plus Americans feeling the effects of sleep apnea. This disorder can subtly interrupt the quality of your sleep, but most people don’t even realize they have it. Read more to discover the signs of sleep apnea and what you can do if you experience symptoms.Read More
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string(3343) "Have you been told you snore too loud? Do you wake up a lot in the night or wake up in the morning feeling as though you haven't slept at all?
It's easy to pass off sleepiness or snoring as a minor nuisance, but these can be signs of a more serious condition. If your significant other or roommates complain about your snoring, you may want to talk to your doctor about a sleep apnea study.
Most people are unaware that they even have sleep apnea, which is why it's important to take those nighttime complaints seriously. As many as 1 in every 15 Americans has sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder caused by the muscles of your tongue and throat relaxing during sleep and blocking off your airways. This disrupts your breathing and your normal sleep cycle. Sleep apnea can cause serious health consequences, such as increasing your risk for:
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will recommend an
overnight sleep study. The sleep apnea test will allow your doctor to diagnose and find possible causes for the disorder.
What Happens During a Sleep Apnea Study?
Basically,
a sleep medicine specialist will monitor your actions while you sleep. That might seem a little awkward at first, but sleep labs are set up with private rooms that have a bathroom and shower. It's like spending the night in a hotel.
Before coming to the sleep lab, you'll be asked to avoid alcohol, narcotics, and caffeine so that they don't interfere with your normal sleep habits.
A
sleep medicine specialist will attach sensors to your chest, stomach, face, head, and legs. These sensors are painless and monitor:
- Air flow from your nose and mouth
- Body movements
- Heart rate
- Eye movements
- Blood oxygen levels
The study usually lasts from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m.
What Happens After Your Sleep Study?
Most sleep studies take two nights — one to diagnose the problem and one to test an appropriate therapy. The second study usually involves testing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to see if that helps your breathing overnight.
Learning about your sleep apnea and getting treatment right away is best to avoid long-term health problems.
For more information on sleep apnea treatment options, visit the
Division of Sleep Surgery at UPMC.
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string(344) "As many as one in 15 Americans has sleep apnea. If you think you might be among them, your doctor will recommend an overnight sleep study. This will allow your doctor to assess and find possible causes for your disorder. Read more to discover what to expect in a sleep apnea study so you can fully understand the disorder and how it is treated."
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As many as one in 15 Americans has sleep apnea. If you think you might be among them, your doctor will recommend an overnight sleep study. This will allow your doctor to assess and find possible causes for your disorder. Read more to discover what to expect in a sleep apnea study so you can fully understand the disorder and how it is treated.Read More
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string(2828) "Think you are functioning normally on less than eight hours of sleep per night? The odds are that you are setting yourself up for a number of potentially negative side effects.
According to sleep specialists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, most people require seven to eight hours of sleep to function optimally and avoid health risks.
Consistently failing to get enough sleep can affect memory, learning, productivity and emotional stability, as well as your physical health.
Day-to-day effects of too little sleep involve mental processes like learning, memory, judgment, and problem-solving. People who are well rested are better able to learn a task and more likely to remember what they learned. With insufficient sleep, thinking slows, it is harder to focus and pay attention, and people are more likely to make poor decisions and take undue risks. You can avoid sleep disruption by:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Avoiding late-in-day naps and caffeine
- Reducing distractions from light, noise, and pets
RELATED: Counting Sheep? How Sleep Deprivation Affects Your Brain
The Risks of Sleep Deprivation
Inadequate sleep can affect your body in a major way. More specifically, lack of quality sleep can lead to increased risk for:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Cancer
Poor sleep is also a risk factor for depression and substance abuse, especially among individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder. Metabolism slows when one’s circadian rhythm and sleep are disrupted; if not counteracted by increased exercise or reduced caloric intake, this slowdown could add up to 10 extra pounds in a year.
Moreover, studies have shown that those slept less than seven hours a night were three times as likely to develop cold symptoms when exposed to a cold-causing virus as were people who slept eight or more hours.
Sometimes sleep deprivation is the result of lingering sleep disorders including insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome.
Difficulty falling asleep, racing thoughts, snoring, or stopping breathing when you sleep are common symptoms of sleep disorders. To learn more or make an appointment with one of our sleep experts, call
412-692-2880 or visit the
UPMC Sleep Medicine Center."
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Did you know consistently failing to get enough sleep can affect memory, learning, productivity, and emotional stability, as well as your physical health? According to sleep specialists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, most people require seven to eight hours of sleep to function optimally and avoid health risks. Read more to discover the risks of getting too little sleep and what you can do to change it.Read More
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string(4489) "You've undergone an overnight sleep study and been told you have sleep apnea. Now it's time to find a sleep apnea treatment that you feel comfortable with to help you – and your significant other – get a good night's sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It happens when your airways are blocked, usually when the muscles in the tongue and throat relax while sleeping or because of large tonsils or adenoids. Sleep apnea can range from mild to severe.
It's important to treat the disorder because it can increase your risk of:
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Sometimes lifestyle changes can be enough to treat mild sleep apnea. These adjustments include:
- Losing weight
- Sleeping on your side
- Avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bed
If that doesn't work, treatment options range from simple devices you wear in your mouth at night to machines or surgery.
Sleep Apnea Machines
Your doctor will most likely recommend a
CPAP machine. CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is a machine that helps you breathe while you sleep. A mask covers your nose with prongs that fit into your nostrils. It takes some time to get used to the machine, but CPAP is effective and one of the best nonsurgical ways to treat sleep apnea.
As an alternative to CPAP, the
BPAP machine, or bilevel positive airway pressure, uses a lower air pressure when you breathe out than when you breathe in. Some people find this more comfortable.
Sleep Apnea Devices
For mild or moderate sleep apnea, you may be able to use over-the-counter nasal dilators — strips that keep your nostrils open while you sleep — or oral devices. The oral devices are mouthpieces fitted by a dentist that keep your airways open by positioning your tongue and jaw during sleep.
Sleep Apnea Surgery
Surgery for sleep apnea is usually not recommended as the first treatment option unless there is a blockage causing the apnea that can easily be removed. If you have enlarged tonsils or adenoids, your doctor may recommend that you have them removed. This is the most common cause of sleep apnea in children and is usually the best cure.
In adults, a procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is the most common surgery. It is usually only recommended if there is an obvious blockage or when other treatment options have failed.
During the surgery, a doctor will remove any excess tissue in the throat, tonsils, adenoids, uvula, or roof of the mouth. You may still need to use CPAP after the surgery.
Inspire Therapy for Sleep Apnea
For people who can't or won't use CPAP, a new therapy may give you another option for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Inspire therapy is an implanted system that monitors your breathing. When your breathing is constricted or stops, the sensors will stimulate the airway muscles with a mild electric current. You have a remote to turn the system on at night and off when you wake up.
Your doctor will work with you to understand the cause and severity of your sleep apnea and help you find the best treatment that works within your lifestyle.
To learn more about your options for treating sleep apnea, visit the
Division of Sleep Surgery at UPMC.
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string(400) "If you have undergone a sleep study and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the next step is to determine which treatment option is best for you. Some lifestyle changes may be enough to treat mild sleep apnea, but other treatment options (ranging from machines to inspire therapy) will be more effective for more severe cases. Read more to discover your full range of sleep apnea treatment options."
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If you have undergone a sleep study and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the next step is to determine which treatment option is best for you. Some lifestyle changes may be enough to treat mild sleep apnea, but other treatment options (ranging from machines to inspire therapy) will be more effective for more severe cases. Read more to discover your full range of sleep apnea treatment options.Read More
