An estimated 50 to 70 million American adults suffer from a lack of sleep due to a number of sleep disorders. Common among these disorders is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is potentially life-threatening but can be controlled with lifestyle changes and treatments. 

Keep reading to discover how to find the right sleep apnea center for you.

What is Sleep Apnea and How is it Treated?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts several times while sleeping. There are 3 main types: obstructive, central, and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and occurs when your throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea occurs when there is an interruption of your brain sending signals to the muscles that control your breathing. The third occurs as a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea called Complex sleep apnea syndrome. 

Doctors treat sleep apnea by the complexity. For milder cases, they may suggest a lifestyle change such as losing weight. For moderate to severe sleep apnea, your doctor may suggest a CPAP machine, an oral device, or surgery. 

How to Find the Best Sleep Apnea Center for You

To determine if you have sleep apnea your doctor may require that you have a sleep study done. This study is performed at a sleep apnea clinic, also called a sleep clinic. There, a professional will be able to determine the quality of your sleep and the severity of your sleep apnea. If you feel that you have sleep trouble and your doctor doesn't order one, you can look for a sleep clinic on your own.

What to look for in a sleep apnea clinic:

Training:

Sleep specialists are physicians with a medical background from many areas such as psychiatry, family medicine, pediatrics, and more. Look for these credentials when you sign up for a sleep study. 

Certifications:

Doctors who have become sleep specialists undergo certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. These credentials offer a level of assurance that your sleep professional has undergone the necessary training to perform their duties. 

Openness to answering questions:

Choose a professional that has the patience to answer all your questions about testing and the results. An empathetic physician is one that listens without judgment and makes attempts to assuage your fears and concerns.

Knowledgable:

A physician that is knowledgable will be able to explain each test procedure and their purpose in a way you can understand. 

After your sleep study, your sleep professional or you primary physician will be able to diagnosis your sleep apnea and perscribe treatment based on the complexity.  Ask your doctor, family, and friends for recommendations for a sleep apnea center to finally get the sleep you've been looking for.