Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is the most common category of sleep-disordered breathing affecting at least 18 million Americans. OSA occurs when a person stops breathing continually during restorative sleep. Breathing is stalled because of the airway collapses and prevents air from getting to the lungs. The pauses in breathing causes decrease in oxygen levels and awakenings to clear the throat. Disrupted sleep can results in sleepiness and fatigue during the day, as well as increase your likelihood for a stroke or heart attack.

OSA is completely treatable and reversible.

What are symptoms of OSA?

• Apnea (Gasping while asleep)
• Daytime sleepiness.
• Morning Headaches.
• Snoring
• Depression
• Memory/Concentration Difficulties
• Nocturia (getting up at night to urinate)
• Decreased energy
• Decreased libido
• Shortness of breath
• Uncontrolled blood pressure at early age

Who is at risk for Sleep Apnea?

• Men older than 45, women older than 50.
• 10% above ideal body weight.
• Neck size greater than 17 inches.
• People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or nocturia (frequent urination at night)
• Those with family history of OSA
• Snorers

Importance of Sleep

Lack of restful sleep can have negative effects on all aspects of life, such as increased rates of accidents, decreased quality of life, difficulty concentrating, and increased rates of depression. Sleep problems can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and death.

What is a Home Sleep Test?

A home sleep test involves the use of a portable-monitoring device that is worn while sleeping. New guidelines by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states that home sleep tests can help detect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in selected adults.

Benefits of a Home Sleep Test

Comfort. One of the major benefits of a home sleep test is being able to sleep in your own bed. There is no need to be worried about sleeping in an unfamiliar setting.

Convenience. Since the test is done in the home, there is no need to find caregivers for family or pets. Being in your home will allow for no interruptions in your nightly routine. Also, there is no need to pack for an overnight stay.

Accuracy. Home–based sleep studies may reduce the "first-night" effect (altered sleep patterns caused by unfamiliar environments), which can cause inaccurate data. Furthermore, CPAP titration or troubleshooting is done with your specific equipment.

Restful Sleep in Four Easy Steps

Step One- Schedule an appointment with Dr. Fishman for an evaluation of current symptoms, or with have a sleep study referral from your treating physician.

Step Two– Come in for a 30-minute appointment to get the sleep test equipment hooked-up.

Step Three– Drop off sleep test equipment at the office the next day.

Step Four- Follow up with either Dr. Fishman or your ordering physician to discuss the results.

For Your Sleep Study

1. Please arrive on time to your appointment, since it can take up to 30 minutes for the equipment to be hooked-up.
2. Wear a shirt that you plan to sleep in: t-shirt or tank top.
3. We suggest you bring either a button down or zippered top to put on after you have been hooked-up.
4. Must make an appointment for the next morning to un-hook the equipment. Must be prior to 1pm.
5. There is a $10 per hour charge for all un-hook appointments scheduled after 1pm.
6. There is a $100 refundable deposit fee for the equipment. Please bring either a check or credit card to your appointment. The fee will only be taken in the case of broken or lost equipment.

Please download, print and sign the Sleep Study Cancellation Agreement below.

• Sleep Study Cancellation Agreement [PDF]

[PDF Help]

Patient Ed Links

The following links take you to physician-monitored patient education provided by Neurologychannel.com and Sleepdisorderschannel.com