Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a life-threatening and life-altering condition. It is as common as adult diabetes, affecting more than 12 million Americans. It occurs when throat and soft palate muscles relax during sleep, impeding the airway and making breathing difficult and noisy (snoring). Eventually, the airway walls collapse blocking airflow entirely, preventing air from getting into the lungs and causing a breathing pause or apnea. Sleep is repeatedly disrupted by apneas, depriving you from the deepest, most restful stages of sleep. Apneas may occur more than 20 times every hour.

A person with OSA never feels rested because he/she never has normal sleep. Lack of sleep affects daytime alertness and ability to function well throughout the day. Low oxygen levels associated with OSA, and the effort required to breathe during the night also strains your cardiovascular system. Ultimately, OSA takes its toll on quality of life.

These and other symptoms are even more worrisome if you have type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

• Snoring
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• High blood pressure
• Morning headaches
• Waking up gasping for breath
• Recent weight gain or loss
• Reflux or heartburn

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Memory problems
• Headaches
• Can lead to premature death

The most common treatment is “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure” or CPAP therapy. This simple, non-invasive treatment provides air pressure that holds open your airway while sleeping. Other treatments may include surgery, laser treatments and dental appliances, which may be effective for some people.

CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is the treatment of choice for sleep apnea. It is an air-blowing device designed to keep constant pressure in the airways and keep your throat from collapsing due to sleep apnea. Many clinicians describe the treatment as a pneumatic splint — because it is literally an air splint to hold your throat open.

CPAP systems consist of a flow generator, air tubing and a mask (usually a nasal mask). The flow generator pushes air through the tubing and nasal mask. Air passes through your nose and into your throat, where the slight pressure keeps your upper airway open. The low air pressure does not interfere with breathing – though some people need a few nights to adjust to the sensation of positive airflow.

BiPAPTM or bi-level positive airway pressure devices provide therapy to people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if CPAP therapy is too difficult. Bi-level therapy delivers two different levels of positive air pressure: a higher level of pressure when you inhale and a lower level of pressure when you exhale. Bi-level devices can also provide non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for people with respiratory disorders or other forms of sleep-disordered breathing.

AutoPAP, or auto-titration positive airway pressure, is therapy with a range of set pressures. As you sleep, the device determines the appropriate pressure to deliver by the resistance of airflow in your passageways. If resistance increases, such as in an apnea episode, the pressure will increase to counteract the apnea and open the passageway.

Call us at (256) 737-2140. If we are not available, please leave your name and phone number, and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Sleep disorders are recognized medical conditions. However, reimbursement policies of individual insurance companies can vary. Prior to scheduling your sleep study, contact your insurance company to learn about your coverage. We will assist you with your claim and/or file a claim on your behalf.

A polysomnogram is an overnight sleep study that records your physical state during various stages of sleep and wakefulness. It provides essential data in the evaluation of sleep and sleep-related complaints, such as identifying sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rate, amount of snoring and general sleep behavior.

Sensors called electrodes are attached to the skin on your head, face and legs, a finger probe measures your oxygen levels, and a belt is placed around your chest and abdomen. Your sleep technologist will lightly prep your skin with cleanser before applying the electrodes. We monitor brain waves, eye movements, airflow from your mouth and nose, snoring, blood oxygen levels, muscle tension, arm and leg movements, and heart rate. You will be able to get up and go to the restroom during the night if necessary. A camera records the procedure while you sleep, and there is a microphone so you can communicate with the technician at any time.

You will be asked to sleep on your back if you do not do so normally. We will ask that your watch and/or cell phone be kept in your overnight bag.

There is no pain associated with a sleep study. The finger probe may have a warm sensation, and the skin where the electrodes are attached may become a little irritated, but we seldom hear complaints of serious discomfort. While we realize sleeping with wires attached is not normal, we will try our best to simulate a normal night’s sleep for you.

In order to make a good diagnosis, we need to collect a certain amount of data. The sleep study will last approximately seven hours. Your overnight study will end at about 5:30 a.m. If you need to wake earlier, you may notify the technician upon arrival so that adjustments can be made in order to accommodate your schedule.

On the day of your study, do not take any naps, drink alcohol or caffeine, or take non-prescription drugs.

Eat dinner before arrival.

Shower, shampoo your hair and remove makeup and nail polish. Your hair and scalp should be clean, and hair and skin should be free of lotion, gel, hairspray or makeup.

Please also remove hair weaves, extensions, braids or wigs prior to arrival.

Acrylic nails must be removed prior to your study.

Men should shave before the study unless you have a beard or mustache.

Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking and any medications you need to take overnight. If you have diabetes, bring your glucometer. If you are on supplemental oxygen at home, bring your portable oxygen tank. You will ultimately be placed on our oxygen.

Bring loose-fitting clothes or two-piece pajamas – no gowns and nothing nylon, satin or silk to avoid static electricity.

Bring your own pillow, if you prefer, and any needed personal items.
If you don’t drive, please arrange transportation to and from your sleep study.

Smoking and smokeless tobacco are prohibited.
If additional testing during the day is required, you may bring reading materials and snacks (no caffeine).

For your safety, while you are connected to electrodes and sensors, you need to remain in areas designated by our staff. Smoking is prohibited in the facility; however, there is a designated smoking area you can use before and after testing. You may use the phone in the Center, but we ask that you limit your calls to 10 minutes.

While you may feel like you won’t be able to sleep, our experience has shown that most people sleep well. Even if you don’t fall asleep immediately or have difficulty remaining asleep, data is collected and forwarded to our sleep medicine physicians for interpretation. If medication might help you get to or stay asleep, the sleep physician will be notified for authorization. However, we prefer medication be used only if necessary.

During regular office hours (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 pm., or Friday, 8 a.m. to noon), call (256) 737-2140. After office hours, call the main hospital number at (256) 737-2000 and ask the operator to page the on-call Sleep Disorders Center staff to cancel your sleep study.

The technician will remove the sensors (electrodes) in the morning. You may shower here at the Center if you wish. Our board-certified sleep medicine physician will review data collected from your entire sleep study and provide findings to you and your physician.

On the day of your study, do not take any naps, drink alcohol or caffeine, or take non-prescription drugs.

Eat dinner before arrival.

Shower, shampoo your hair and remove makeup and nail polish. Your hair and scalp should be clean, and hair and skin should be free of lotion, gel, hairspray or makeup.

Please also remove hair weaves, extensions, braids or wigs prior to arrival.

Acrylic nails must be removed prior to your study.

Men should shave before the study unless you have a beard or mustache.

Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking and any medications you need to take overnight. If you have diabetes, bring your glucometer. If you are on supplemental oxygen at home, bring your portable oxygen tank. You will ultimately be placed on our oxygen.

Bring loose-fitting clothes or two-piece pajamas – no gowns and nothing nylon, satin or silk to avoid static electricity.

Bring your own pillow, if you prefer, and any needed personal items.
If you don’t drive, please arrange transportation to and from your sleep study.

Smoking and smokeless tobacco are prohibited.
If additional testing during the day is required, you may bring reading materials and snacks (no caffeine).