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.
Copyright 2017, Moore County Hospital District