Sleep Apnea

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. These interruptions can lower oxygen levels and disrupt restful sleep, even when you do not remember waking up. OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea.

Signs you should discuss with your doctor

• Loud, frequent snoring or breathing pauses noticed by a partner.
• Waking up gasping or choking.
• Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or feeling unrefreshed after a full night in bed.
• Morning headaches, dry mouth, or difficulty concentrating.
• High blood pressure that remains difficult to control.

Snoring alone does not establish a diagnosis, and sleep apnea can occur without obvious daytime sleepiness. It affects both women and men, including people who are not overweight.

Why detection matters

Untreated OSA is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and problems with blood sugar regulation. Disrupted sleep can also affect concentration, mood, and daily functioning. Excessive sleepiness raises the risk of driving and workplace accidents.

Detecting OSA makes it possible to choose effective treatment, improve sleep quality and alertness, and address its contribution to your overall health. We consider sleep alongside your blood pressure, diabetes care, and cardiovascular risk.

How testing works

1. Office evaluation: We review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and risk factors to choose the right test.
2. Same-day setup when appropriate: Eligible patients can receive a home testing device and instructions through our office, subject to device availability and any insurance authorization.
3. Overnight recording: Use the device as instructed while sleeping at home, then return it as directed.
4. Results and next steps: We review the findings with you and discuss treatment or further evaluation.

A home sleep apnea test is appropriate for selected adults with suspected OSA. It is not a complete evaluation of every sleep disorder. Certain heart or lung conditions, suspected abnormal breathing beyond OSA, or other complex health concerns may require an attended sleep-lab study. If a home test is negative, unclear, or incomplete but suspicion remains, a sleep-lab study may be needed.

CPAP treatment and follow-up through our office

We diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea, including CPAP therapy, at Ahad MD PC. Our office provides CPAP treatment management and ongoing follow-up, so your sleep apnea care can remain part of your regular primary care.

We review your symptoms, CPAP use, comfort, and available device reports to assess how treatment is working. Follow-up visits provide an opportunity to discuss mask fit, dryness, difficulty tolerating therapy, or continued daytime sleepiness, and to adjust your care plan when appropriate.

Depending on your results and needs, other options may include auto-adjusting PAP, a custom oral appliance through a qualified dentist, weight management when appropriate, or specialist evaluation. Sleep position and limiting alcohol near bedtime may also help some patients. We coordinate specialist care when needed.

Take the first step toward better sleep

If you snore, wake up tired, or have been told that you stop breathing during sleep, schedule an evaluation. Ask about same-day home testing setup and our affordable testing options.