You're not alone!

• 1 in every 15 Americans is affected by sleep apnea.

• 1 in every 50 Americans has an undiagnosed sleep disorder.

• People that have an untreated case of sleep apnea face a risk of stroke that is four times higher than those who are not afflicted.

• Untreated sleep apnea sufferers are also three times as likely to have heart disease.

• Half of all sleep apnea sufferers face a diagnosis of hypertension.

• The Highway Safety Commission estimates that 40,000 people die each year due to falling asleep while driving.

• The Department of Transportation estimates that 550 sleep-related accidents occur every day.

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Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is one of the most common and potentially life-threatening sleep disorders. It occurs when a cessation of breathing lasts 10 or more seconds during sleep, leading to a drop of oxygen in the blood and an interruption in sleep patterns. 

Risk Factors:

• Diabetes
• Lung disease
• Age 65+
• Large neck girth
• Anatomic abnormalities like large tonsils, recessed jawline, etc.
• Obesity
• Male gender
• Family history
• Regular alcohol or sedative use
• High blood pressure

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The Sleep Study

A sleep study, known as a polysomnogram, is required to establish the presence of most sleep disorders including sleep apnea, periodic leg movements, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and more.

During a full sleep study, the patient’s brain wave activity, eye activity, heart rate, airflow from the mouth and nose, chest and abdomen movement, blood oxygen levels, body position, and muscle  movements are all monitored. This is accomplished in a pain-free manner, with the use of patches and belts.

Depending on your insurance coverage, Stewart Memorial also offers AT-HOME sleep studies, in which patients can sleep at home. Our sleep techs provide a tutorial about how to wear and use the monitoring device.