Sleep Disordered Breathing

 

We all need a good night’s sleep to feel refreshed and energized.   If you have a sleep disorder, you may not get enough of the quality sleep that you need to function properly.  The most common sleep problems include insomnia, sleep disordered breathing (Sleep Apnea) and poor sleep hygiene.  Many of us have busy lives and we use that as an excuse to get less than the 7.5 hours per night that most of us need.  Sleep problems can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

 

If you feel like you have a sleep problem, you should consider the services of a board certified sleep specialist.  Additionally, there a many accredited sleep disorders laboratories in our area. 

 

At RQS, we have therapists ready to help you adjust to PAP therapy so that you can begin getting the sleep that you need.  Here are some of the sleep disordered breathing problems that, with the guidance of your physician, we can help you manage.

 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)-  OSA is a disease that can cause a significant loss of healthy sleep.  OSA is often characterized by loud snoring, choking and gasping in the middle of the night and waking up unrefreshed.  If left untreated, sleepiness can become profound and it may have a significant impact on your quality of life.  Additionally, untreated OSA can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.  OSA is treated by using a CPAP or a BiPAP device that helps keep your airway open so that air moves freely and you can breathe while you are sleeping.  We will work with you and your doctor to make sure that you have the best chance to accept PAP therapy.  It can change your life! 

 

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)-  CSA is a disease that can also lead to sleep problems.  CSA happens when your brain doesn’t correctly signal your body to breathe.  Unlike OSA, CPAP is usually not the best form of treatment for CSA.  At RQS we will provide the most appropriate Respiratory Assist Device to treat your sleep problem.  We have the Respironics Auto SV Advanced and the Respironics BiPAP S/T to help you.  We will work closely with you and your doctor to make sure you have the best chance to accept your therapy. 

 

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS)-  OHS, also known as Pickwickian Syndrome, is a condition that happens to people that are overweight.  When they go to sleep, they do not breathe deeply enough to get take in the oxygen and get rid of the carbon dioxide that they need to be healthy.  Many patients with OHS also have sleep apnea.  Both OHS and OSA can lead to high blood pressure, circulation problems and heart failure.  It is important to get this diagnosed and treated to prevent these long term health problems.  Here at RQS, we use the BiPAP AVAPS device to treat patients with OHS.  We are experienced in treating patients with this problem and we can certainly help you.  We will work closely with you and your physician so that you have the best chance to accept the therapy that you need.