Somno Services
HOME SLEEP APNEA TESTING
Three Simple Steps to a More Restful's Nights Sleep
Step One
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If you or your bed partner are aware of as few as 3 signs and symptoms, you should consider a home sleep apnea test. Visit the screening questionnaires tab at the top of the page and complete each section.
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Fill out the patient data form and email it to somnosvc@gmail.com
Step Two
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Visit the store tab or click on any of the Home Sleep Testing (HST) Now buttons. When you are ready go to your cart and check out through our secure site. Once the order is complete we will ship the rental equipment to your home address, which you should receive in 2 to 3 days. The equipment will arrive with complete instructions on how to proceed with the home sleep test. You will wear the device for 2 consecutive nights of testing. On the morning after the 2nd nights test you will pack the device up in the provided return shipping package and drop it in the mail.
Step Three
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When we receive the device in 2 – 3 days, we will download the data collected and present the findings to the Board - Certified Sleep Specialist who will interpret it and make any recommendations needed. The report and interpretation will be forwarded to you and we will be glad to assist you moving forward with any necessary treatment options.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
It is estimated that between 18 and 30 million American adults have OSA and as many as 90 percent of them are undiagnosed. During sleep as your body relaxes with sleep. The muscles in the airway will relax also causing the airway to become partially or completely obstructed preventing air flow and oxygen from reaching the lungs. Both Men and Women are affected by OSA.
Signs & Symptoms
* Loud Chronic Snoring. * Witnessed pauses in breathing. * Choking or gasping which will follow the pauses in breathing. * Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. Fighting sleep during the day at work or driving. * Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking up in the morning. * Waking up frequently during the night to urinate. * Morning Headaches. * Memory or learning problems and or not being able to concentrate. * Being overweight or obese * Having a neck circumference greater than 17” in men and 16” in women * Gastroesophageal reflux or GERD * Deviated Septum or sinus problems * Large tongue and or still having your tonsils
So, I snore like a chain saw and have OSA, what’s the big deal?
Studies suggest that having OSA raises the heart rate and increases blood pressure, placing stress on the heart. Which is due to reduced blood oxygen levels in the body, activating the nervous system and increasing the hearts performance and increasing the heart rate. Additionally, chemicals are released into the blood stream that cause inflammation and promote elevated levels in blood sugar, which causes damage to the heart.
The following list are diseases that can be caused by OSA or if you already suffer from one of these diseases, OSA can compound the effects of the disease.
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High Blood Pressure – We have already discussed the increase in high blood pressure (hypertension) but what we did not discuss was the effects of hypertension. Having hypertension places a strain on the cardiovascular system and OSA only compounds that affect and may increase the risk of heart attack and or abnormal heart beats, such as Atrial fibrillation.
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Type 2 diabetes – Those who have OSA will be more likely to develop insulin resistance compared to people without OSA. Studies have shown that if OSA is treated early enough it can slow the progression of development of type 2 diabetes.
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Metabolic syndrome – Is a disorder with risk factors that are linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Conditions include hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar and a large waist circumference.
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Abnormal liver function tests – Those with OSA will more than likely have abnormal levels and will show signs of scarring. A condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Premature Death – Because OSA is associated with these medical conditions and if it goes untreated the likelihood of premature death is increased substantially. Middle aged men are at a greater risk of death related to cardiovascular disease.
