How do I know I have Sleep Apnea?

The best way to find out if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea is to have a sleep study conducted either in a hospital or in your home. There are several symptoms of OSA which include:

Decreased sex drive
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Poor concentration/memory
Depression
Morning headaches
Gastro-esophageal reflux
Sore, dry throat on waking
Being accident prone
Increased cholesterol
Hypertension

Consequences of OSA

The consequences of OSA can be very serious and include an increased risk in motor vehicle and work related accidents and poor job performance. It can also lead to family tension, an irritated bed partner and a general decrease in the quality of life.

How severe is my OSA?

The severity of OSA is measured by three variables:
Blood oxygen level, the presence of daytime sleepiness and the number of apneic episodes per hour-also known as an Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI).

An AHI of 5-15/hr is considered mild obstructive sleep apnea.
An AHI of 16-30/hr is considered moderate obstructive sleep apnea
An AHI of +30/hr is considered severe obstructive sleep apnea

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