Sleep medicine
Snoring, pauses in breathing and daytime tiredness are more than an inconvenience — they can be investigated and treated well.
When a sleep study makes sense
In obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome the throat repeatedly collapses during sleep. The consequences are pauses in breathing, drops in oxygen and brief arousals, which those affected usually do not notice themselves. Typical signs are loud and irregular snoring, observed pauses in breathing, daytime tiredness, declining mental and physical performance and difficulty concentrating.
Overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus or cardiac arrhythmias are frequently present at the same time. It is precisely this combination that makes untreated sleep apnoea a risk that goes beyond poor sleep.
How we proceed
Conversation and examination
We talk about your sleep, your daytime symptoms and your medical history, and we examine you physically.
Polygraphy at home
You receive a loan device for one night. Breathing, oxygen, pulse, snoring and body position are recorded — in your familiar surroundings.
Polysomnography in the sleep laboratory
If the question remains open or the findings are severe, we measure a full night in the sleep laboratory, including the sleep stages.
Therapy and follow-up
Where needed we initiate PAP therapy (CPAP, APAP or BiPAP), set the pressure and check the result regularly.
The treatment
CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most effective method for treating obstructive sleep apnoea: a slight positive pressure keeps the airways open at night. Depending on the findings and on how well it is tolerated, APAP or BiPAP therapy may also be considered, and oxygen therapy where there is nocturnal hypoventilation. For milder forms, a mandibular advancement device can be a sensible alternative.
We work closely with your general practitioner and report in detail on the findings and the therapy.