How do you know if you have sleep disordered breathing (SDB)? The only way to be sure is to have a sleep test performed, either at home by a qualified sleep physician or in a hospital sleep center.
At Dr. Hogg's office, he will perform an initial exam at no cost to the patient. An examination of the teeth and oral cavity as well as an evaluation of the TMJ (jaw joint) will be performed. He will have the patient fill out some medical and sleep information forms and ask questions based on the forms. One of these forms is called the "Epworth Sleepiness Scale" test. Click here to take the test.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale test asks questions such as how likely you are to fall asleep in different situations (watching TV, reading, etc.). If you snore or have been told that you awake gasping for breath, or if you are sleepy during the day, you should seek advice from your healthcare professional.
Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition, it must be diagnosed by a physician. Diagnosis is based on the results of an overnight sleep study called a Polysomnogram (PSG). Other factors determining OSA are patient evaluation and history.
Dr. Hogg can refer you to a sleep disorder center near you. Insurance will usually cover your stay at such a center and your follow up treatment will be based on the physicians evaluation of your tests. |
