Sleep Studies Program
Sleep is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle. We all need a sufficient amount of quality sleep in order to function properly in a mental and physical sense. But when a sleep disorder known as "sleep apnea" occurs, your sleep patterns become disrupted. This could have a negative impact on your overall health. Saint Anthony's Sleep Studies Program is designed to diagnose and treat those suffering from sleep apnea. For more information call 618/474-6025.
Sleep apnea is the most common of all sleep disorders, afflicting 8 million Americans. This disorder causes a person's breathing to stop for short periods of time during sleep, thus waking the sufferer many times during a night's sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is sometimes caused by relaxation of the upper airway muscles during sleep, and subsequent blockage of the airway by the tonsils, uvula or fatty tissue. If untreated, sleep apnea can lead to coronary heart failure.
- Excessive tiredness
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Reduced attention and concentration
- Narcolepsy - brief attacks of deep sleep during the day
- Sleep Walking (Somnambulism)
- Sudden jerky leg movements that awaken you
- Teeth grinding at night
- Breathing cessation while asleep
Under the direction of Myles Yanta, M.D., Saint Anthony's Sleep Studies Program opened in March, 1997. All testing is administered by an order from your physician, and the state-of-the-art tests offered will assist in the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Saint Anthony's respiratory technicians monitor a patient's sleep patterns during an overnight session. The patient usually arrives about two hours before bedtime, is hooked up to the monitoring equipment and then goes to sleep. In the morning, the patient can shower, go to work or proceed with daily activities as usual.
- Heart and brain activity
- Eye movement
- Movement of respiratory muscles
- Air flow from the nose and mouth
- Oxygen level in the blood
- Snoring
- Body position
If sleep apnea is diagnosed, one prominent treatment option is called C-PAP (continuous positive airway pressure). This procedure lets air flow from a small compressor into a mask placed over the nose during sleep, thus keeping the airway open. Other possible treatment options include losing weight, avoiding alcohol, or undergoing a surgical procedure.
you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, consult your physician. With your doctor's approval, you may utilize the benefits of Saint Anthony's Sleep Studies Program.
The following test has been developed to help identify those who may be suffering from sleep apnea.
Identify
1. I snore.
2. I have high blood pressure.
3. I have noticeable changes in my personality.
4. I am overweight, or gaining weight.
5. I sweat excessively during the night.
6. My heart pounds or beats irregularly during the night.
7. I have morning headaches.
8. I have trouble sleeping when I have a cold.
9. I suddenly wake up gasping for breath during the night.
10. I feel sleepy during the day even though I slept through the night.
If you identify with three or more of these statements, you are showing symptoms of sleep apnea, and you may wish to talk to your physician about the situation.
- Considered an eligible charge by most private insurers, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
- Sleep Studies results are interpreted by Myles Yanta, M.D., a board-certified Pulmonologist.
- Our computerized monitoring system is state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.
For more information call 618/474-6025.