Hurdles are known in the racing world as one of the single most difficult events. Not only do hurdlers need speed to win the race, but they also need endurance and efficiency to clear each hurdle. Some might say the biggest hurdle is the first one, and that’s certainly the case in treating sleep apnea. The biggest hurdle to treating sleep apnea is diagnosis.
Finding the Diagnostic Rhythm
How do hurdlers do it? What’s the secret to clearing hurdles just high enough that you don’t stumble and crash and low enough that you don’t slow down or waste energy? The answer lies in finding your rhythm or a pattern.
The first obstacle to beginning treatment for sleep apnea is also arguably the biggest: diagnosis. A study from Washington University School of Medicine posits that “Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately 20% of US adults, of whom about 90% are undiagnosed.”
Like clearing hurdles, you don’t want to shoot too low and risk missing the hurdle or downplaying your symptoms. You also don’t want to go too high or you risk wasting energy like you might if you’re misdiagnosed and begin treating the wrong thing.
Sleep Apnea’s Patterns
Like getting the hang of clearing each hurdle, identifying sleep apnea symptoms is about noticing cadence. Sleep apnea is characterized by irregular:
- Sleep times
- Interruptions
- Sleep states
- Sleep posture
- Oxygen levels
How to Identify Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea diagnosis is a roadblock on the path to the finish line for thousands of people who live with its effects. But, diagnosis is becoming more accessible. Where once, diagnosis required an in-lab sleep study, technology such as [link id=’108′ text=’WatchPat™‘ esc_html=’false’] has brought diagnosis into patients’ homes.
WatchPAT ™ is an ambulatory device that allows for comprehensive sleep testing. Complete with exact sleep times, interruptions, and sleep states. With this data, you and Dr. Pamela Marzban can consult with a sleep doctor to craft a customized, healthy treatment plan.
Clear the Hurdles to Treatment
Don’t settle for memory problems, limited focus, heightened risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Marzban by calling our office at [link id=’50003′ text=’703-349-4277‘ esc_html=’false’] and know once and for all if you’re one of the undiagnosed.
