Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Do You Suffer From Sleep Apnea? Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep that last from a few seconds to a minute.

Sleep Apnea can pose serious health risks and negatively impact quality of life.

75% of those with severe sleep disordered breathing go undiagnosed.

If you feel that you may be suffering from some form of Sleep Apnea, click the button below to take our 30 Second Sleep Apnea test.

IRS Sleep Apnea Screenings & Tests

IRS offers Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) screening as a next-day service, whereas conventional methods can take several weeks. We explain OSA to our patients, outline signs and symptoms in our questionnaire, and use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale Test.

The results of the tests are reviewed with the patient and a detailed report is sent to the referring physician in a timely manner. With a physician’s signed referral, a trial of CPAP therapy is initiated.

Click the button below to download our Printable Doctor Referral form.

Airway Open

During normal breathing, the throat is clear and open, letting air flow freely to and from the lungs.

Airway Closed

While a person with OSA sleeps, tissues at the back of the throat collapse and block the flow of air.

Airway With CPAP

Positive pressure therapy can keep the airway open so that air flows freely to and from the lungs.

Sleep Apnea Defined

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when tissues in the throat collapse and block the flow of air in and out of the lungs during sleep. there is no airflow despite efforts to breathe. People with OSA struggle to breathe again and again, making restful sleep impossible.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

This results from the brain not signalling the body to breathe. There is no airflow because there is no effort to breathe. Sleep may also be disrupted by CSA.

Mixed Sleep Apnea

This is a combination of central sleep apnea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Possible Consequences Of Untreated OSA

  • Hypertension / Cardiac Arrhythmia
  • Myocardial Ischemia / Infarction / Stroke
  • Motor vehicle/work-related accidents due to sleepiness
  • Decreased quality of life

How To Recognize Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

IRS Sleep Apnea Infographic

Signs & Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

  • Snoring interrupted by pauses in breathing
  • Excessive daytime drowsiness
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Restless sleep
  • Problem with mental function
  • Memory loss
  • Irritability and depression
  • Large neck, obesity, crowded airway

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

  • The most common treatment is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Therapy, pronounced “see-PAP”.
  • Other less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances which may be effective in certain individuals.
  • Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics.