DIAGNOSIS

 

 

The Moore County Sleep Lab can assist in the diagnosis of:

 

SLEEP APNEA

 

Sleep apnea refers to non-breathing episodes during sleep. Loud habitual snoring accompanied by gasping, choking and pauses in breathing can indicate sleep apnea. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that does not allow the patient to receive enough oxygen during sleep.  If untreated, this can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke.

 

The symptoms of sleep apnea can include:

Loud irregular snoring

Gasping for breath

Sudden body movements before breathing

restarts

Excessive sweating during sleep

Irregular pounding of the heart upon awakening

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Complaints of insomnia or lack of restful sleep

Obesity

Confusion or brief memory loss upon awakening

Unexplained morning headache

High blood pressure

Impotence

Personality changes

 

WHAT CAUSES SLEEP APNEA?

 

Obstructive sleep apnea (the most common type of sleep apnea) is caused by relaxation of the upper airway muscles during sleep, and subsequent blockage of the airway by the tonsils, uvula, or fatty tissue.

 

HOW IS SLEEP APNEA TREATED?

 

Diet and exercise may be ordered with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. The most common and effective long term treatment is NCPAP (short for nasal continuous positive airway pressure). The NCPAP apparatus (room air flow generator and nasal mask) keeps the airway open during sleep. Alternate

treatments may include upper airway surgery or an oral appliance.

 

 

NARCOLEPSY

 

Narcolepsy is a life-long neurological disorder, primarily characterized by sudden uncontrollable sleep attacks and persistent daytime sleepiness.

 

Symptoms can include:

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Constant fatigue and dullness of mind

Cataplexy: sudden loss of muscle tone or

muscle weakness usually triggered by

emotional changes

Automatic behavior: performing tasks

(usually routine in nature) without

conscious thinking

Sleep paralysis: the inability to move upon

falling asleep or waking up

Hypnagogic hallucinations: intense, vivid

dreamlike experiences during

wakefulness

 

TREATMENT:

 

Treatment is available. Though narcolepsy is a life-long illness, the symptoms for most narcoleptics can be managed with a careful balance of medications, educational support, and lifestyle changes.