Carmel, IN dentist Dr. Smith trained at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dentistry (LVI) to give patients a comprehensive approach to sleep apnea management. Dr. Smith understands that sleep apnea and head and neck pain are related, and that it’s often necessary to treat both.
People with sleep apnea stop breathing while asleep, sometimes hundreds of times each night. When the level of oxygen in the blood drops too low, the body awakens the sleeper. Many patients report gasping for air or choking as they are awakened. Because of these sleep interruptions, patients usually experience tiredness during the day, irritability and difficulty focusing on tasks.
How Sleepy are You?
Sleep apnea management in Carmel, IN starts with a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. To study episodes of breathing pauses during sleep, the doctor requests a sleep study (polysomnogram) in the clinic or at home.
Also part of the diagnostic exam is the Sleep Apnea Epworth Test or Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Dr. Smith uses this quick questionnaire to determine how sleepy you are during the day and how sleep affects your daily life. The score ranges from 0 to 24, with 10 being normal. Take the test below to find out how sleepy you are:
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast to feeling just tired? This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you have not done some of these things recently try to work out how they would have affected you.
Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
0 = no chance of dozing1 = slight chance of dozing2 = moderate chance of dozing3 = high chance of dozing
Situation
Chance of Dozing or Sleeping
Sitting and reading
____
Watching TV
____
Sitting inactive in a public place
____
Being a passenger in a motor vehicle for an hour or more
____
Lying down in the afternoon
____
Sitting and talking to someone
____
Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol)
____
Stopped for a few minutes in traffic while driving
____
Total score:
____
If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, contact your sleep specialist in Carmel, IN. Call (317) 841-9623 or click here to make an appointment.