Sleep apnea can cause repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep and may present with loud snoring, gasping, witnessed pauses, unrefreshing sleep or excessive daytime sleepiness. A structured Sleep Medicine assessment can help determine whether a sleep study is appropriate.
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. However, certain symptoms or patterns can make further assessment appropriate.
Frequent loud snoring can be a reason to discuss sleep and breathing, particularly when it is associated with other symptoms.
A bed partner or family member may notice pauses, choking, gasping or repeated changes in breathing during sleep.
Persistent sleepiness, fatigue, poor alertness or difficulty concentrating can occur when sleep is repeatedly disrupted.
Morning headaches, dry mouth, repeated awakenings or waking without feeling refreshed can occur in some people with sleep-disordered breathing.
Symptoms, sleep schedule, daytime alertness, medications, relevant medical conditions and information from a bed partner or family member may all be useful.
A sleep study can help determine whether sleep apnea is present and assess the nature and severity of sleep-related breathing problems.
When a sleep study has already been performed, the report and clinical context can be reviewed to explain the findings and discuss appropriate next steps.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and patient factors. Options can include PAP therapy, oral appliances, positional approaches, lifestyle measures and specialist referral when appropriate.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are having difficulty with mask comfort, pressure-related concerns, residual sleepiness, adherence or understanding your sleep report, a Sleep Medicine consultation can help review the problem and determine the next step.
Discussion of common practical issues with PAP use and whether further review is needed.
Review of PSG or home sleep apnea testing reports in the context of your symptoms.
Dr. Prakash Kothari G provides online Sleep Medicine consultations for adults and children. Consultations can be used for new symptoms, suspected sleep apnea, review of existing diagnoses, and discussion of sleep-study or PAP-related concerns.
If snoring is accompanied by breathing pauses, gasping, daytime sleepiness or unrefreshing sleep, a Sleep Medicine assessment can help clarify whether further testing is appropriate.