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Diagnosis... SAPS can not be diagnosed by an unltrasound or by an amnio... Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has historically been under-diagnosed in women for two reasons. First, the most easily-identifiable sign of OSA (loud, heroic snoring) often does not exist in women. Instead, women with OSA can have snorning that is very mild by comparison. Second, OSA in women creates symptoms that are similar to depression, which causes OSA to be misdiagnosed as depression in a startling number of cases. These symptoms include: lethargy, lack of energy, decreased sex drive, irritibility, crankiness, a feeling that she is "not herself," decreased interest in family, friends, and social events. As a result of the mis-diagnosis, a mood-elevating pill is often prescribed, while the underlying cause of the symptoms (OSA) remains untreated. OBGYNs have also historically believed that women are protected from breathing disorders by increased progesterone levels during pregnancy. Progesterone is a hormone that increases a pregnant woman's drive to breathe. However, it is today clear that progesterone is not sufficient to overcome a blocked airway. As a result, women and OBGYNs both need to be asking and talking about the symptoms of SAPS. Symptoms of Sleep Apnea: People with sleep apnea typically are unaware of their condition because - by definition - periods of apnea (blocked airway) occur during sleep. People who suffer from OSA also do not realize that they are waking regularly - often hundreds of times - during a single night's sleep. For this reason, bedpartners often can help identify symptoms of sleep apnea before the person suffering from the condition can. Some of the symptoms of this common condition include:
Related secondary symptoms may include:
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, you need to speak to a doctor who is an expert in sleep disorders medicine. Click here for a list of sleep disorders centers in your area that are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and here for a list of doctors in your area who are sleep disorders experts certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine. Depending on your insurance, you may need to contact your current or primary doctor first, who can refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep evaluation, or you can contact a sleep expert yourself. Sleep disorders experts have specialized equipment that can not only diagnose apnea, but will help determine the best course of treatment.  | |||||||
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