Sleep Lab

Snoring isn’t just an annoyance, it may be a warning sign.

Each snore is a gasp for breath, depriving your body of oxygen. It’s why even light snoring is linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

38,000 cardiac deaths annually are linked to sleep apnea.

Seventy percent of people with hypertension (high blood pressure) have sleep apnea. Diabetes patients should be screened for sleep apnea as there’s a close correlation between them.

Snoring, combined with other symptoms or conditions, may indicate a need for evaluation.

Do you or a loved one:

  • Snore loudly?
  • Gasp or choke during sleep?
  • Feel tired during the day?
  • Dose off while driving?
  • Have morning headaches?
  • Have high blood pressure?
  • Have sexual dysfunction?

If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Southwest Health Center’s Sleep Lab assists your physician in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

  • Occurs when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep
  • The airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs
  • Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive day-time sleepiness or fatigue
  • A serious, potentially life-threatening condition
  • Easily identified and effectively treated

What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?

  • Extra tissue in the back of the airway, such as big tonsils
  • Decrease in the muscle tone holding the airway open
  • The tongue falling back and closing off the airway

How many people have OSA?

  • More than 12 million people – it’s as common as diabetes
  • Most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated

What should you do if you suspect you have OSA?

  • Discuss your sleep issues with your primary care provider.
  • Have a sleep study done – it provides information about how you sleep and breathe that will help determine your diagnosis and treatment options

Questions? Call the SHC Sleep Lab at (608) 342-5071 to find out more. We’re glad to help you decide what’s right for you.

Your primary care doctor needs to know if you have trouble sleeping or experience excessive daytime sleepiness.

If you need additional assessment, your doctor may refer you to Southwest Health Center’s Sleep Lab.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Snoring, interrupted by pauses
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Restless sleep
  • Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
  • Poor judgment
  • Irritability
  • Memory loss
  • High blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Obesity
  • Large neck size
  • Morning headache
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Frequent urination at night