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And more importantly they don't recognize that it may be something to be concerned about. Regardless of lifestyle, age or circumstances, sleep disorders are definitely a health concern. There are some 84 disorders of sleeping and waking that harm personal health and quality of life and endanger public safety by contributing to traffic and industrial accidents. What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder which causes persons who have it to stop breathing during sleep, often hundreds of times a night. The most common type of sleep problem is obstructive sleep apnea. What causes sleep apnea? Muscles relax more during sleep than they do during waking hours, including the muscles that are necessary for breathing. In most people, this normal process doesn't cause problems; however,for still-unknown reasons, some people's throat muscles relax too much. This relaxation compromises breathing and makes sleep a time of increased risk. If you suffer from any of the symptoms below, you may have sleep apnea.  Loud snoring(sometimes associated with gasping and choking)Excessive daytime sleepinessHypertension (40% of the patients at time of evaluation have high blood pressure)Daytime fatigueRecent weight gainUnusual body movements during sleep, such as wildly kicking arms and legsMorning headachesFeeling as if you are in a fogPersonality changes such as depression, irritability and anxietyLoss of interest in sexWhat will our sleep staff need to know about you? First, a medical history and we may even wish to talk with the bed partner or other members of your sleeping and waking behavior. How is a sleep study conducted? After sharing your medical history and possibly discussions with your bed partner or other household members, you will be asked to spend a single night in one of our comfortable roomy bedroom labs. Electrodes are attached to your scalp and skin to continuously monitor sleep stages, respiration, leg movements and blood oxygen levels. The rooms are designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible. If you suffer from extreme sleepiness during the day, a daytime test designed to detect the presence of narcolepsy may be conducted. Will my insurance cover a sleep study? Most private insurance companies and Medicare cover a sleep study. We will be happy to assist you in contacting your insurance company in advance to determine if the tests will be covered. How do I find out if I need a sleep study? To determine if you are a candidate for a sleep apnea study, you may contact the Athens-Limestone Sleep Disorders Center CONTACT US Telephone:256-771-REST(7378) Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 West Market Street Athens, Alabama 35611 E-Mail: cherriwa@alhnet.org |
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| 700 West Market Street, P.O. Box 999, Athens, Alabama, 35611, (256) 233-9292 | |||||||||
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