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Methodist Sleep Disorders Center The Science of Sleep Apnea  Dr. Aparajitha Verma Neurologist The Methodist Hospital "It's a contraption on your head, and it's not sexy," Alexander says. "But I sleep really well, and my partner also sleeps better now that I'm not snoring all night. I can tell a difference by the way I feel in the mornings. I'm more refreshed when I wake up." Recognizing Sleep Problems In many cases it's the partner, or roommate, who is first to notice the classic signs of sleep disorders. Loud snoring, sudden gasps for breath and other abnormal sleep behaviors can affect the quality of sleep for anyone in earshot. 
In countless studies, good sleep correlates with good health while poor sleep interferes with daily activities and heightens the risk for developing certain medical conditions.
Verma, who is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at the Methodist Neurological Institute, has studied sleep and its associated disorders extensively. She says untreated obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk for hypertension and early development of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Alexander, a retired social worker, didn't notice the signs of her obstructive sleep apnea. It was her partner who encouraged her to seek treatment. "My internist referred me to Dr. Verma for a sleep study at Methodist," Alexander says. Overnight Sleep Study A sleep study (also called polysomnogram) measures quality and duration of sleep, including how a person breathes and moves. It can help uncover and identify solutions for sleep-related problems. The patient's state of sleep, oxygen level, breathing effort, airway pressure and physical movements are monitored throughout the night. Alexander had a positive, comfortable experience at the Methodist Sleep Disorders Center. She says, "I went in at about 8 p.m. and got ready for bed just like I was at a hotel. The technician explained everything and placed electrodes on my head. I watched television and read until I was sleepy. When I woke in the morning, they removed the electrodes, and I got dressed and ready for the day. It was easy."
In Alexander's case, Verma recommended a second test with a CPAP machine for obstructive sleep apnea. Gentle pressure blowing through a small mask proved successful in keeping Alexander's airway open throughout the night. A respiratory therapist helped her set up the CPAP at home, and she wears the mask every night. Other treatments for mild sleep apnea include ear, nose and throat procedures; treatment of nasal allergies and oral devices that move the jaw forward to open the airway. Help Is Here for You If you wake up unrefreshed, even after seven to nine hours of sleep, talk to your doctor. He or she may refer you for testing and evaluation. The Methodist Sleep Disorders Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, so you can trust that you will receive the most accurate results and quality management of sleep disorders.
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