A Simple Professional Guide to Understanding Your Sleep Study

Sleep apnea (cessation of breathing during sleep) is somewhat common and can run the gamut from mild to severe.

If you snore loudly, do not feel rested upon awakening, awaken often during the night, OR need frequent naps you may have severe sleep apnea. But even if you have minor symptoms, the condition can contribute to your Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) load so you will want to cover the topic with your doctor. Some physicians feel it should be included in a PH workup, but it is often overlooked.

Testing typically requires an overnight stay at a special clinic; charges are usually covered by insurance companies. If you are found to have sleep apnea, you will most likely be fitted with a non-invasive ventilator (either cpap or bipap) for home use. If you have not been tested for apnea and you either have symptoms or think it may be a contributor to your PH problems, you’ll want to broach the subject during your next PH checkup.