Snoring & Sleep Apnea Specialist

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a medical condition that occurs when the tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep and descend into the throat, temporarily blocking breathing dozens of times in a single night. In some cases, these interruptions can be prolonged enough to cause conscious wakefulness and even gasping, but many people have apnea and don't even know it. Sleep apnea has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

If I snore, does that mean I have sleep apnea?

Not necessarily; while snoring is one of the telltale signs of apnea, it can also be caused by other problems including post-nasal drip and other chronic sinus issues as well as allergies and colds. Snoring can also occur in people who are overweight. Having a sleep study is a good way to determine if your snoring is caused by apnea or another cause.

How can I tell if I need a sleep study?

Dr. Patel will review your symptoms and your health history and help you decide if a sleep study is a good option for you. Some people prefer to try alternatives, such as losing excess weight prior to undergoing a sleep study.

What happens during a sleep study?

In a sleep study, electrodes will be attached to your scalp and elsewhere on your body so your breathing, heart rate, respiration and other physiological factors can be measured while you sleep. The electrodes on your scalp can be especially helpful in determining how often you wake and whether you spend enough time in deep sleep necessary for maintaining good health. Most importantly, it can determine if you suffer from sleep apnea and whether you need medical intervention to treat apnea and to avoid potentially serious risks associated with the condition.

See some of our patient reviews about diagnosing and treating snoring & sleep apnea disorders below.