Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea

Q:  What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a breathing disorder.  The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed; of the three, obstructive is the most common. Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.  Read more about it:
http://www.sleepapnea.org/info/index.html
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/brochure.html

Q:  What are the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
The most common symptoms of OSA in adults are loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Almost all people who have OSA snore, but not all people who snore have OSA. Other signs and symptoms of OSA include:  episodes of not breathing; Restless tossing and turning during sleep; nighttime choking spells, sweating, and chest pain; waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling irritable and tired, and experiencing personality changes; morning headaches; heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night;  in obese adults, swelling of the legs; getting up during the night to urinate; daytime naps or sleeping during inappropriate times or activities.  People with Sleep Apnea may exhibit onset high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain, depression and other health conditions.  Read more (from WebMDHealth):
http://my.webmd.com/hw/sleep_disorders/hw49181.asp

Q:  What is the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) all about?
The American Sleep Apnea Association is the only non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about sleep apnea and to serving people with this common disorder.
http://www.sleepapnea.org/about/index.html

Q:  What are the issues with Sleep Apnea and driving?
Exhaustion behind the wheel is a danger to you and to the public.  Read more about it:
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/driving.html
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/hottopics/index.php?secid=10

Q:  I'm not overweight.  Could I still have Sleep Apnea?
Yes.  While many people with Sleep Apnea are overweight, not all sufferers have a weight problem.  If you exhibit other characteristics of Sleep Apnea, you should be evaluated.  More on weight and Sleep Apnea:
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/bmi.html

Q:  What is the most common treatment for Sleep Apnea?
The most common treatment for Sleep Apnea is CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), therapy.  There are several different types of machines for Positive Airway Pressure (PAP).  Treatment involves a PAP machine and a mask.  Read more on choosing CPAP treatment.
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/cpap.htm

Q:  How is sleep apnea treated?
The following is from the website for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute of Health.
For more on this and other frequently asked questions described by the NIH, click on the following link:
Click here for link

Q:  What should I know about choosing a mask and headgear for my CPAP?
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/mask.htm

Q:  How can I find product information about PAP treatment machines?
The ASAA provides information on product comparisons for Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) treatment equipment provided by ADVANCE for Managers of Respiratory Care:
http://respiratory-care-manager.advanceweb.com/resources/mr090104_p65buyguide.pdf

Q:  Where can I find product information about masks?
The ASAA provides information on product comparisons for Masks provided by ADVANCE for Managers of Respiratory Care:
http://respiratory-care-manager.advanceweb.com/resources/mr040104_p67buyguide.pdf

Q:  What are other treatment options for Sleep Apnea?
The ASAA strongly recommends that you become familiar with all forms of treatment available for Sleep Apnea.  Your treatment decision can affect your health, so it is important that you discuss treatment options with your physician.  More on the subject:
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/treatment.html

Q:  Do I have asthma and not Sleep Apnea?
More on this topic:
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/asthma-osa.html

Q:  What is A.W.A.K.E.?
The ASAA organizes a network of support groups known as A.W.A.K.E. (Alert, Well, And Keeping Energetic), composed of hundreds of mutual-help support groups in nearly all 50 states for people affected by sleep apnea.
http://www.sleepapnea.org/awake/index.html

Q:  How can I find an A.W.A.K.E. group in my area?
The ASAA provides a listing of A.W.A.K.E. groups operating throughout the country.  More are being added every year.  If none are listed in your area, feel free to use the ASAA A.W.A.K.E. discussion forum to post your questions or you can contact the ASAA for more information.  Let us know if you're interested in forming a support group in your area.
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/links/groups.html

Q:  How can I be evaluated for Sleep Apnea?  What steps should I take?
The ASAA provides guidelines on how to be evaluated for Sleep Apnea:
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/brochure.html

Q:  How can I have my child evaluated for Sleep Apnea?
Check out the ASAA information on obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children and suggested steps to have your child evaluated:
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/child.html
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/children-osa.html

Q:  Considering surgery for obstructive Sleep Apnea?
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/osa.html

Q:  Considering surgery for snoring?
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/snoring.html

Q:  What should I know about my Sleep Apnea condition and surgeries for my other health problems?
The ASAA offers information you should know about surgery and the use of anesthesia:
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/osa-article.html
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/sameday.html

Q:  What should I know about Insurance?
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/publawyer.html

Q:  My Sleep Apnea is affecting my job.  What information is there about employment concerns? Exhaustion from your Sleep Apnea can jeopardize your job.  Dealing with this situation can be difficult and there are many factors to consider.  Informing your employer about your Sleep Apnea and your ongoing treatment may be a help or a hindrance, depending on your employer and how they deal with their employees.  Be sure to look into the options available to you.  The ASAA provides information on this subject, as well as information on how to obtain an attorney should you need one, particularly if you are seeking disability.
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/employment.html
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/finding.html

Q: How else can I find a Sleep Study located near me?
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/links/profsocieties.html