Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Chronic cardiopulmonary disorders such as COPD, severe asthma and heart failure are frequently associated with sleep-related abnormalities. Therefore, the Summa Health pulmonary team often works hand in hand with our
sleep medicine specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of people with breathing-related sleep issues.
Sleep Disorder Conditions
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and serious sleep disorder that causes short interruptions in breathing for extended stretches of time during the sleep cycle. It occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. With frequency increasing with age and obesity, symptoms include snoring and daytime sleepiness. When left untreated, OSA can significantly reduce your health and quality of life.
Diagnosing Sleep Disorders
Summa Health has a comprehensive program that includes diagnostic testing through
sleep studies to determine the cause of your sleep disorder. A
sleep study includes single or multiple diagnostic tests performed by a qualified technician to help diagnose your sleep disorders. The tests are non-invasive and do not use any needles, injectable dyes, IVs or shots. In some cases, the sleep study can be conducted in the privacy of your home.
In addition to the sleep medicine team, Summa Health pulmonary specialists work closely with specialists in cardiology, dentistry/orthodontia, psychology, weight management and other areas to asses sleep struggles and formulate individualized treatment plans.
Treatment of Sleep Disorders
Summa Health has expertise in treating OSA and related conditions with nonsurgical treatments, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and other therapies. We often also recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, sleeping on your side, and decreasing alcohol consumption.
In some cases, however, sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea are best resolved with surgery. Our pulmonologists and otolaryngologists (ENTs) are trained to medically and surgically manage and treat these conditions that can contribute to sleeplessness due to breathing disorders.
Schedule an Appointment
Learn more about sleep medicine, as well as how to prepare for a sleep study. To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, a physician referral is required.
