By Parkland CPAP Services

The Importance of Screening For Sleep Apnea And Its Impact On Your Health

Dec 14, 2022 | 6:34 PM

Have you noticed you don’t feel rested?

Perhaps you wake with headaches or a dry mouth. Does anyone complain they can’t sleep because of your snoring? Perhaps it’s time to consider screening for sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious medical condition where the muscles in your upper airway, back of the jaw and tongue relax too much, collapsing and blocking the airflow. Your body is trying to breathe but it can’t. Anyone, including children, young adults and women can have apnea, but you are at higher risk for this condition if you are overweight, male, and older than 50.

If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, screening is highly recommended as sleep apnea is a major cause of both. Over time, it causes conditions such as heart attack, stroke and even Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. If you have concerns and wish to be screened, speak with your physician or nurse practitioner as a referral is required for testing.

Screening is now easier than ever and can most often be done at home, in your own bed, over just one night. A 15-minute consultation is all it takes to learn how to wear and use the device, and equipment is returned the following morning. There is no charge for the initial screening.

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A respirologist specializing in sleep medicine interprets the screening and, if CPAP therapy is required, our knowledgeable staff is prepared to equip you with everything you need.

CPAP machines do not provide extra oxygen but pressurize the room air, delivering therapy via a mask. This pressure helps to keep the airways open while exhaling so you can continue to breathe properly. Your body can then better circulate oxygen and focus on healing, giving you the restorative sleep needed to improve daily functions.

Once therapy begins, many people report deeper sleep with less tossing and fewer trips to the washroom during the night. Most daytime symptoms such as morning headaches, foggy concentration, irritability, and dry mouth are gone. Patients feel more rested and have the energy to get through the day, once again enjoying their lifestyle.

Untreated sleep apnea causes many other health conditions. At least 20% of the population is afflicted with this illness. Screening is quick, easy, and effective. Treatment is designed to be simple and quiet.

Our clinicians spend time educating and informing you so you can be hands-on with your own therapy. Staff at Parkland CPAP Services are here to help every step of the way, ensuring successful treatment so you can feel and function at your best.

For more information, please visit our website at https://parklandcpap.ca/