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What is Sleep Apnea?

Copyright 2010 Sleep Center of NELA
All rights reserved.
How likely are you to doze off or fall
asleep during these activities?

0-No chance, 1-slight chance,
2-moderate chance,3-high chance

__Sitting and reading

__Watching TV

__Sitting inactive in a public place
(movie or meeting)

__As a passenger in a car for an
hour without a break

__Lying down to rest in the afternoon
when circumstances permit

__Sitting and talking with someone

__Sitting quietly after lunch, without
alcohol

__In a car, while stopped in traffic

__Total Score

If your score is 10 or higher, you
may want to discuss your
symptoms with your physician.
"Apnea" literally means "without breath." People with sleep apnea stop breathing
during sleep, often many times, making it difficult to get enough oxygen or restful
sleep.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually
when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is caused by the brain not sending the proper signals
telling you to breathe.
Most Common Symptoms:

Loud snoring

Fatigue

Choking or gasping during sleep

Sleepiness during the day

Observed breathing cessation
during sleeep

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

Difficulty concentrating

Memory loss

Morning headaches

Depression or irritabilty
Complications if untreated:

Excessive sleepiness during the day;
Frequent falling asleep, fatigue
Irregular heart rhythms
Increased risk of heart attacks or stroke
Oxygenation problems
Uncontrolled blood pressure
Memory loss/ headaches
Difficlty concentrating
Depression / irritability
Decrease on the job performance
Fatigue- related motor vehicle and work
accidents
Frequent urination at night
Decreased quality of life

If you do have a sleep disorder, it is
important to be diagnosed and treated.
Sleep disorders can contribute to other
diseases and conditions such as stroke,
heart attack, high blood pressure, motor
vehicle accidents and depression
.
Epworth Sleepiness Scale: