Who can diagnose a sleep disorder?
Only a physician can diagnose a sleep disorder! The most common test to diagnose a sleep disorders is a polysomnogram. Once a diagnosis is made, the physician can discuss treatment options. Common Sleep Disorders: Sleep Hypopnea A decrease in breathing but not the cessation of breathing. Sleep Apnea – A temporary and often repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. Snoring A noise produced when sleeping due to an increase in air resistance due to the narrowing of the airway and a resulting vibration of the uvula. Hypersombulance Excessive daytime sleepiness. Narcolepsy – A neurological disorder marked by a sudden recurrent uncontrollable compulsion to sleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea This is the area of sleep medicine that can involve the dental team. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is just as the name indicates. Apnea, the cessation of breathing, is caused by the complete blockage of the airway while sleeping. The diagram below illustrates the basic flow for a person with OSA. Sleep Ne
