Signs of sleep apnea
With obstructive sleep apnea, your airway repeatedly closes during sleep, cutting off your breathing for a few seconds at a time. Often a bed partner notices it first. Common signs:
- Loud, regular snoring
- Pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep
- Waking up tired, with a dry mouth or a headache
- Daytime sleepiness, or dozing off while reading, watching TV or driving
- Trouble concentrating, irritability, or waking at night to urinate
Why it matters
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, stroke, type 2 diabetes and drowsy-driving accidents. Treatment often improves energy, mood and blood pressure.
How we diagnose it
- A sleep consultation: Dr. Bangalore reviews your symptoms, health history and medications, and examines your airway.
- A sleep study: depending on your symptoms and health, this may be a simple test you do at home in your own bed, or an overnight study at a sleep center. Dr. Bangalore will arrange the right one for you.
- Going over results: you'll learn how severe your sleep apnea is and which treatment fits best.
Treatment options
- CPAP: a small bedside machine that keeps your airway open with gentle air pressure. It's the most common and effective treatment, and we'll help you find a mask that's comfortable.
- Oral appliances: a custom mouthpiece, made by a dentist, for some people with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
- Lifestyle changes: weight loss, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed can all help.
- Referral for other treatments: when CPAP isn't an option, we can refer you for surgical or implant treatments.
- Follow-up: we check your progress and your CPAP data, and adjust your treatment until you're sleeping well.
Frequently asked questions
Is snoring always sleep apnea?
No. Many people snore without having sleep apnea, but loud snoring with gasping, pauses in breathing or daytime sleepiness should be checked.
Can I do the sleep study at home?
Often, yes. Many adults can use a simple home sleep test. Dr. Bangalore will tell you whether a home test or an overnight study at a sleep center is better for you.
Does insurance cover sleep studies and CPAP?
Most plans, including Medicare, cover sleep studies and CPAP when they are medically needed. Some plans require prior approval, which our office helps with. Call to confirm your plan.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Bangalore?
Some insurance plans require one. Call us and we'll let you know what your plan needs. Patients of Dr. Singh can be seen in the same office.