Sleep Apnea Testing

What is sleep apnea?

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• Sleep apnea, or Obstructive Sleep Apnea, is a highly-undiagnosed condition that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that 80-90% of adults with sleep apnea are undiagnosed in the United States. This can happen due to airway obstruction (the oral/pharyngeal area), or, less often, due to what are called "central" causes--where the brain does not send proper signals to breathe during sleep.

What are symptoms of sleep apnea?

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• Symptoms usually include feeling overly tired during the day, napping easily, snoring, and sleep partners sometimes observe episodes of pauses in breathing during snoring (called apnea).

Why is diagnosing sleep apnea so important? 

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• This disorder can lead to a higher rate of death from heart disease, higher risk of stroke, insulin resistance / higher blood sugar, high blood pressure, car accidents, and mood changes.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?​

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• ​Fortunately, you can be reliably diagnosed in your own home using technology approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. When you schedule your appointment for evaluation, Dr. Hennessay can order a comprehensive home sleep evaluation that will include a certified Sleep Medicine physician analysis and report. Additionally, if needed, she can guide you through getting any necessary home equipment to treat your sleep apnea. 

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