Sleep apnea : a serious problem
Sleep apnea is caused by a relaxing of the throat muscles during sleep, which obstructs airways and reduces the intake of oxygen. These involuntary pauses in breathing will make a person wake up several times during the night and will increase their heart rate.
Symptoms and consequences of sleep apnea
How can you tell if you suffer from sleep apnea? Here are some symptoms of this condition:
- Loud snoring and pauses during breathing while sleeping (which are often noticed by the spouse).
- Waking up during the night, which can hinder the length and quality of your sleep.
- Irritability, excessive fatigue, and headache after waking up.
- Dry mouth and sore throat after waking up.
- Drowsiness during the day, difficulty focusing.
- Erectile dysfunction and lower sex drive.
If sleep apnea remains untreated, it can have serious, even fatal consequences:
- Cardiovascular conditions : sleep apnea causes an increase in blood pressure and increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Dangers due to lack of sleep : fatigue and drowsiness during the day increase the risk of accidents, especially while driving.
How do you know if you are at risk?
Some lifestyle habits or health conditions increase the risk of sleep apnea, including:
- Consumption of alcohol, tranquillizers, or sleeping pills.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Physiological factors (frequent nasal congestion, thick neck).
- Heredity.
- Hypertension and heart failure.
If you notice that you have symptoms or are part of a high-risk group because of your health condition or lifestyle habits, we strongly recommend you consult our professionals who will evaluate your condition and, if needed, provide in-home follow-ups for your sleep apnea.
Getting a diagnosis with a home sleep test and polysomnography
Diagnosing sleep apnea can only be done using polysomnography, which is a sleep test carried out overnight. The polysomnography is produced using a specialized device that monitors your breathing parameters and abnormal breathing events, or apnea (pauses in breathing).
Clinique GO™ offers a strategy to help you treat your sleep apnea. Our methods are based on the current best practices and will deliver the best results.
Here’s how it works:
Complete the free consultation form to evaluate your sleep problems and identify the causes.
Our experts will then be able to advise you on the solutions best suited to your situation.
1
A medical prescription (one from a general practitioner is sufficient) is necessary to pass a polysomnography, or sleep test.
Even if you don’t have a prescription, contact us!
2
A sleep apnea technician or respiratory therapist will give you an appointment over the phone to help you fill out a short questionnaire and plan the delivery of the polygraph. With the help of an explanatory video, you will be able to install it properly and understand how it works—it’s very easy! The recording of your breathing parameters overnight (one night is enough) can then be done very easily.
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The results are then quickly analyzed by a respiratory therapist and interpreted by a pulmonologist. This interpretation is covered by your Quebec health insurance card, which you will need. This step is done on the phone.
Services reimbursed by many private insurers
Many private insurance companies will reimburse part or the entirety of the sleep test and purchase of a CPAP machine. We recommend you contact your insurer before going forward. The interpretation of your breathing parameters by the pulmonologist and physical exam, if needed, are covered by your health insurance card (RAMQ).
If you have questions about our respiratory therapy services for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, or about the night polygraph test at home, please contact our team. We are committed to providing a quick and efficient service certified by professionals.
Clinique GO™ provides in-home treatment and follow-ups for sleep apnea in the Greater Montreal area, including Laval and Longueuil
You will find all the areas we serve by clicking here.