Could You Have Sleep Apnea?

Most people take breathing for granted. That’s because it is an involuntary process that is hardly noticed as we go about our daily activities. But, what about at night while you are sleeping?

Sleep is just as vital for your health and well-being as a balanced diet and regular exercise. It enhances cognitive function, uplifts mood and promotes good health. A lack of consistent, high-quality sleep of seven to seven and a half hours increases your risk for obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, depression and diabetes, and it can lead to irritability, reduced work performance and a lower quality of life.

An estimated 50 million to 70 million people in the U.S. have a sleep disorder, and sleep apnea is one of the most common. Sleep apnea affects one in five American adults, and unlike other sleep disorders, many people do not know they have it.

“Sleep apnea occurs when breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep,” said Rajesh S.K. Rao, MD, who is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, critical care medicine and sleep medicine with Penn Highlands Lung Center. “Because your body is unable to get sufficient oxygen while sleeping, you must wake up to breathe, even if you do not realize you are waking up. This frequent waking leads to poor quality sleep.

Symptoms of sleep apnea may include problems paying attention, forgetfulness, waking up often in the middle of the night, sexual dysfunction having a dry mouth or headaches when you wake up and daytime sleepiness and in severe cases, sleepiness while driving.

“The only way to know for sure is to have a sleep apnea test,” said Dr. Rao. “If you are sleepy during the day even after sleeping seven to eight hours at night, or if your bed partner says you snore loudly or has witnessed you gasping for air in your sleep, talk to your doctor about getting a sleep apnea test.” A sleep apnea test, also called a sleep study, is a medical test that tracks your breathing, heart rate, oxygen level and other stages of sleep. The results will show the physician how many times breathing was interrupted during the night. The information collected during the test will be used to determine if you have sleep apnea and what type.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP therapy is administered through a small machine that sits next to the bed at home. Before going to sleep, a mask is placed on the face that you’ve selected and is comfortable. Through the face mask, the machine will deliver mildly pressurized air into your airway. This air gently forces its way through your upper airway, keeping the airway from collapsing while you sleep. Another option is an oral dental device.

Penn Highlands Healthcare also offers Inspire Therapy, a long-term, mask-free solution for some people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have tried and struggled with CPAP. Unlike a CPAP machine that works outside the body, Inspire therapy works comfortably inside your body and syncs with your natural breathing pattern. Then, it uses gentle pulses to move your tongue forward to keep your airway open. When your airway is open, you are able to breathe regularly and sleep better. No mask or hose needed. Simply use the small handheld Inspire™ remote to turn your therapy on when you are ready to sleep. “In our practice, we see many patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP,” said Kara Kimberly, MD, a board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist at Penn Highlands ENT. “Inspire therapy represents a significant advancement in treating sleep apnea. It is clinically proven to reduce sleep apnea events, has a high level of patient satisfaction and a high therapy adherence. We are excited to offer this therapy.”

Inspire therapy has a proven safety record with 99.6% of Inspire implant procedures being successfully completed without any major complications. Additionally, 93% of patients recommend the therapy.

While Inspire Therapy can be an alternative for people who cannot use CPAP, insurance companies have specific eligibility guidelines.