Diagnosing Sleep Apnea From Home

April 19, 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) prevents people from resting and may lead to serious impacts on overall health and quality of life. In order to help our patients in Olathe, KS, we offer custom-made treatment options. But how do we diagnose the problem? Instead of relying on patients trying to sleep in a lab setting, we have a convenient home sleep study!

The Causes and Warning Signs of Sleep Disorders

With sleep apnea, the soft tissues in the back of our mouths and in our throat become too relaxed as we sleep. As a result, they collapse and block air passages. We stop breathing until the brain, registering a lack of oxygen, wakes us up. Despite not remembering these episodes of waking, they happen hundreds of times each night, preventing people from obtaining the deep, uninterrupted rest needed to stay alert and healthy during the day.

Common causes include obesity, age (55 and older are high risk), neck circumference, sinus or allergy issues, deviated septum, excessive alcohol consumption, and sleeping on your back. You may experience chronic snoring, waking up struggling to breathe, moodiness, trouble staying focusing at work, headaches, and dry mouth.

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Without treatment, lack of proper sleep strains your immune system and cardiovascular system. Patients may be more likely to develop depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Don’t let a sleep disorder have such an impact on your overall quality of life. Talk to our team about our convenient and comfortable diagnostic process.

At-Home Diagnosis

We will send you home with a small device, which takes measurements of your sleep habits. The machine records your breathing exertion, your blood-oxygen levels, and any apneic episodes you experience, all while you rest comfortably in your own bed. When you return the device to us, we will look at the detailed results and assess your risk. From there, we can decide which treatment options will best address your OSA. The process is designed to be comfortable and help you start treatment without interrupting your daily routine. We then know whether you need to make changes to your daily life and sleep habits, or if a custom-made oral appliance will help you enjoy open air passages and a night free of apneic episodes. If you have any questions or concerns about identifying and treating OSA, the please contact our team today.

Do You Need an OSA Diagnosis?

We offer a precise and accurate diagnosis from the comfort of your own home, helping you rest easier. To schedule a consultation and learn more about treating OSA, then call E-Care Dentistry in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.