Symptoms
For
many people, their spouses are the first ones to recognize something
is wrong. The loud snoring, the stoppage of breathing, and the
gasping for air are signs of trouble. Friends may notice that
the individual falls asleep during the day at inappropriate times.
 While
snoozing at a meeting or sitting with friends can be embarrassing,
falling asleep at work or driving a car can be dangerous! Most
sleep apnea patients do not know they have a problem and in fact
do not believe it when told. Ask your spouse and friends if they
are aware of symptoms. They will tell you the truth and may in
fact help you to a more restful and safer sleep.
The
following symptoms relate to sleep disorders (sleep apnea). If
three or more apply to you, it is recommended that you speak to
a health care professional.
| |
|
|
|
| *
|
Daytime
sleepiness |
*
|
Chronic,
loud snoring |
| *
|
17
inch neck size for men, 15 ½ inch neck size for women
|
*
|
Patterns
of snoring interrupted by pauses, then gasps |
| * |
Difficulty
concentrating |
*
|
Forgetfulness |
| *
|
Irritability |
*
|
Depression |
| *
|
A
loss of interest in sex |
*
|
Learning
and memory difficulties |
|
* |
High blood pressure |
*
|
Waking
with a headache |
| *
|
Waking
with heartburn |
*
|
Waking
gasping for breath |
| *
|
Falling
asleep at inappropriate times, work, on the phone, or driving
|
*
|
Waking
with a bad taste in your mouth |
|
* |
Clenching
or grinding of your teeth |
|
|
Proper
evaluation can only be done by physicians who specialize in sleep
medicine. Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, which may be treatable
with oral appliances, must be made with a sleep study (polysomnogram
– PSG) as there are many types of sleep disorders.
The
Epworth Sleepiness Scale is used to determine the level
of daytime sleepiness. A score of 18 or more is considered very
sleepy. A score of 18 or more is very sleepy. If you score 7 or
more on this test, you should consider whether you are obtaining
adequate sleep, need to improve your sleep hygiene and/or need
to see a sleep specialist. These issues should be discussed with
your personal physician. Dr. Steinberg and staff at Philadelphia
Dental Sleep Medicine can aid in your consultation and treatment.
Use
the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for
each situation:
0 = would never doze or sleep.
1 = slight chance of dozing or sleeping
2 = moderate chance of dozing or sleeping
3 = high chance of dozing or sleeping
Fill in your answers and see where you stand.
|
Situation |
Chance
of Dozing or Sleeping |
| Sitting
and reading |
|
| Watching
TV |
|
| Sitting
inactive in a public place |
|
| Being
a passenger in a motor vehicle for an hour or more |
|
| Lying
down in the afternoon |
|
|
Sitting and talking to someone |
|
| Sitting
quietly after lunch (no alcohol) |
|
| Stopped
for a few minutes in traffic while driving |
|
Total score (add the scores up)
(This is your Epworth score)
Snoring and Sleep Apnea can be managed with the CPAP alternative!
Call Philadelphia Dental Sleep Medicine now to help with healthier
sleeping!
215-735-8844
|
