Sleep Centers
What is snoring?
Snoring is a noise produced during sleep, usually when an individual breathes in. It occurs when the muscles associated with structures at the back of throat relax during sleep. This causes vibration of some or all of those structures (soft palate, uvula and sometimes tonsils). All snorers have incomplete obstruction of the upper airway. Many habitual snorers have complete episodes of upper airway obstruction where the airway is completely blocked for a period of time. This is usually followed by snorts and gasps as the individual fights to take a breath.
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How common is snoring?
One out of four people is a habitual snorer. It is more frequent in men and people who are overweight.
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Should I worry if I snore?
Snoring can sometimes be a symptom of a serious disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). "Apnea" means the absence of breathing. Clinically, "apnea" is defined as stoppage of breathing for 10 seconds or more. When an individual snores loud enough to disturb others, it is usually a strong indication of obstructive sleep apnea. If this is the case, then the individual needs to be evaluated by a sleep specialist. Treatment for sleep apnea includes sleeping with a special machine called a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure). Other symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, high blood pressure and frequent awakenings at night are indications that it could be sleep apnea.
There are different kinds of snoring that can indicate different things. Primary snoring, also known as simple snoring, is characterized by loud upper airway breathing sounds and NO episodes of apnea. Primary snoring is often treated by losing weight, sleeping on your side and refraining from alcohol and sedatives. It can also be treated with oral devices that help maintain an open airway, or, various types of surgery that involve removing excess tissue from the throat.
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What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea is when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep. Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs. Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.
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What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?
- Extra tissue in the back of the airway such as large tonsils.
- Decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open.
- The tongue falling back and closing off the airway.
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How many people have obstructive sleep apnea?
About one in four adults have OSA, and most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated.
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What happens if obstructive sleep apnea is not treated?
If OSA is untreated, individuals are at risk for
- High blood pressure.
- Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents.
- Heart disease and heart attack.
- Decreased quality of life.
- Stroke.
What are the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
If you or someone you know snores regularly and has one or more of the following symptoms, it may be obstructive sleep apnea:
- Snoring, interrupted by pauses in breathing.
- Gasping or choking during sleep.
- Restless sleep.
- Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.
- Poor judgment or concentration.
- Irritability.
- Memory loss.
- High blood pressure.
- Depression.
- Obesity.
- Large neck size (>17" in men; >16" in women).
- Crowded airway.
- Morning headache.
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Frequent urination at night.
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What should you do if you suspect you may have obstructive sleep apnea?
See your doctor right away, who may recommend an evaluation by a doctor specializing in sleep disorders.
Have a sleep study done; a sleep study can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe. This information will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.
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What is the treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?
The most common treatment is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), pronounced "see-PAP." Other less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances, which may be effective in certain individuals.
Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics.
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How does CPAP therapy work?
CPAP treats obstructive sleep apnea by providing a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a mask to splint the airway open during sleep. Breathing becomes regular. Snoring stops. Restful sleep is restored. Quality of life is improved, and the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and motor vehicle and work accidents is reduced.
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What does a sleep study involve?
In preparation of your evaluation at Ingalls Sleep Centers, you will receive a sleep questionnaire. Complete it carefully and review your answers with your partner if possible, since he or she may add valuable information.
Your evaluation will take place at one of our three conveniently located centers, either at the main hospital in Harvey, or at our Ingalls Family Care Centers in Tinley Park or Flossmoor. You will be interviewed and examined by our physicians who are board certified in sleep medicine.
After a thorough evaluation and review of your questionnaire, our physicians will determine if you should receive an overnight sleep test or polysomnogram.
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How do I prepare for a sleep study?
Sleep studies are conducted at night. You will be given a wake-up time so you can plan your activities for the following morning. On the day of your sleep test, please follow these instructions:
- Avoid alcohol the day of the study.
- Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) after noon.
- Check with your doctor if you should discontinue any medications you are taking prior to the study. Do not discontinue without checking first.
- Try not to nap.
- Bring an overnight bag as you would for an overnight stay at a hotel or a friend's house with toiletries and comfortable bed clothes.
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What should I expect during a sleep study?
Your sleep test will be conducted by a sleep technologist in our comfortable and homelike bedroom setting. The technologist, who will be in a separate room from you during the testing, will show you the equipment and explain the procedure. The specialized equipment is used to track many body functions, including brain wave activity, breathing, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, leg and chin muscle activity, eye movement, snoring and body position. Recording sensors are placed on the skin surface to record this activity. You may have to wear a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which is a mask that fits around your nose, or nose and mouth.
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What happens after a sleep study?
After the sleep study, our sleep specialists will analyze and interpret the large amount of data recorded during the study. A typical sleep study involves more than 800 pages of data. Our specialist will then directly share with your doctor the results of the interpretation and treatment recommendations if a sleep disorder is diagnosed. You will then have a follow-up visit with your physician to discuss the results.
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What treatments are available?
Treatment varies depending on the specific disorder. For sleep apnea, treatment options include weight loss; wearing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device – a mask worn at night connected to an air compressor; surgery; medication; or dental appliances. For narcolepsy and periodic limb movement syndrome, medication is very effective.
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Are sleep studies covered by insurance?
Sleep studies are covered by most insurance plans.
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How do I schedule a sleep study?
Talk with your doctor. If he or she doctor feels a sleep study is needed and writes an order, call us at 1-708-915-4585 today to schedule your sleep study at a time and location most convenient for you.
For your convenience, Ingalls Sleep Centers are available at the following locations:
Ingalls Memorial Hospital North Building
156th and Wood Street, Harvey, IL
Ingalls Family Care Center
6701 W. 159 th Street, Tinley Park, IL
Ingalls Family Care Center
19550 Governors Hwy, Flossmoor, IL
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