“I enjoy the challenge of coming to work and supplying every department in the hospital. We strive to become more efficient so our team can give a higher quality of care.”
Kay Richards, Materials Management Specialist
Sleep Diagnostic Program: Who gets OSA and how is it treated?
Although many people have not heard of OSA, it is a common condition affecting up to 10 percent of the population. It may affect people of any age and gender. You can often tell if someone has OSA. If you listen while they sleep, you will hear snoring followed by a period of silence. There may be a loud snort or a gasp as they start breathing again. Many people with OSA experience the following:
- Tiredness during the day
- Falling asleep at work
- Falling asleep while driving a car
- Falling asleep in the middle of a conversation
- Falling asleep while reading
- Falling asleep while watching TV
Due to lack of sleep and the stress of normal living, people with OSA are often irritable. Other more serious consequences associated with OSA include the following:
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Serious hearing conditions
- Sexual problems
- Memory lapses
- Intellectual deterioration
- Morning headaches
OSA is treated through the use of a CPAP unit. The CPAP unit delivers lightly pressurized airflow to a small nasal mask. The flow of the air acts like an "air splint" to keep the upper airway open and prevent apnea. The individual will experience almost immediate and total relief with the CPAP treatment.
Back to Sleep Diagnostic Program