Stanislaus Sleep Disorders Center

Your source for quality sleep care.

According to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, 40 million Americans are chronically ill with various sleep disorders and an additional 20 to 30 million experience intermittent sleep-related problems.

One of the most common types of sleep disorders is sleep apnea. It is as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than 12 million Americans, according to the National Institute of Health. However, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and untreated because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals.

What is sleep apnea? It literally means “absence of breath.” Distinctive signs of sleep apnea include frequent waking episodes at night, disrupted breathing, gasping, gagging, or choking for air, and snoring during sleep. Sometimes, apnea episodes can occur hundreds of times during the night and last a few seconds to a minute or even longer.

If you are a male over the age of forty and overweight, your risk factor is higher. However, sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, memory problems, headaches, weight gain and impotency. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for reduction in job or school performance and an increase in motor vehicle accidents.

The good news is that sleep apnea can be easily diagnosed and treated. The accepted standard for evaluation of sleep disorders is the attended polysomnography. This test involves sophisticated monitoring technology. At our facility, this evaluation will be conducted in a comfortable home-like environment.

Most health insurances cover sleep studies (tests) and treatments. However, some health plans require prior authorization before services are rendered.