In contrast to just feeling tired, how likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations? (Even if you have not done some of these things recently, try to work out how they would have affected you.) Use the following sleep test scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
0 = Would never doze
1 = Slight chance of dozing
2 = Moderate chance of dozing
3 = High chance of dozing
East Norriton
Berger/Henry ENT Center
(610) 279-7878
Roxborough
Jamestown Medical Building
(215) 482-3100
Chestnut Hill
Chestnut Hill Medical Building
(215) 248-2400
Willow Grove
Regency Towers
(215) 830-8620
Lansdale
Montella Crossing
(215) 362-6700
Phoenixville (Oaks)
The Oaks Medical Center
(484) 392-7230
Date Posted: Saturday, April 30th, 2016 by Alan Berger
Poor sleep can leave you tired during the day but, if it's frequent, it can be extremely detrimental to your health.
A good night's sleep can:
For close to 25 million adults living in the US, poor sleep habits are caused by sleep apnea which is a disease that interrupts your breathing up to a potential of hundreds of times a night during a range of 10 60 seconds at a time. Thus, it is no surprise that poor sleep and sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems.
Loud and frequent snoring
Loud and frequent snoring is the most obvious sign that you have sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the soft tissue in your upper airway vibrates as you breathe which is indicative of your airway being partially blocked.
Fatigue
It's logical, isn't it? If your sleep is interrupted by a crying baby or sleep apnea, you will feel fatigued and sleepy the next day. Studies have shown that a common telltale sign of sleep apnea in an adult is falling asleep at the wheel.
Heartburn
Frequent heartburn during the day and at night is also a telltale indicator of sleep apnea. Sleep and Breathing performed a study indicating that heartburn was reduced as patients were successfully treated for sleep apnea.
Forgetfulness
Disruption of your sleeping pattern can also disrupt your memory.
Acute sensitivity or depression
Sleep disruption can negatively affect your mood and can result in depression.
Get diagnozed
If you think that you, your spouse, a loved one, or a friend is suffering from sleep apnea, the first thing to do is to schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist who will schedule a home sleep apnea test or a sleep study. If the results prove that you do have sleep apnea, the testing proves that you do suffer from sleep apnea, the sleep specialist may prescribe a CPAP device (continuous positive airway pressure therapy) or an oral appliance (mouth guard custom made by your dentist).