Feeling Drowsy? How a Sleep Test in Boca Raton Could Help

March 28, 2019

Sleep is essential for humans to function and feel their best. Unfortunately, millions of people suffer from disorders that rob them of precious sleep and put them at an increased risk of a slew of health problems, including cardiovascular illness, dementia, obesity, and more. Are you struggling to get the rest your mind and body need? A sleep test in Boca Raton can help you determine why you aren’t sleeping well and may be the first step on your journey to better rest, improved health, and a higher quality of life.

What Is a Sleep Test?

A sleep test, sometimes called a sleep study, is a medical diagnostic procedure wherein machines monitor you while you sleep. Usually, a sleep test takes place in a hospital or dedicated sleep clinic. You arrive at the clinic in the evening, and an attendant hooks you up to the monitoring machine. After the test, a doctor examines the results of the study and gives you insight into the quality of your sleep.

If you would prefer to undergo a sleep test in the comfort of your own home, that may be possible. Some medical professionals allow their patients to take a monitoring machine home for a night and return it the next morning.

What Does a Sleep Test Measure?

A sleep monitoring machine gets connected to your scalp, temples, chest, and legs. Together, the sensors provide insight into things such as your:

  • Heart rate
  • Brain waves
  • Eye movements
  • Breathing patterns
  • Blood oxygen levels
  • Body position
  • Abdominal and chest movement
  • Limb movement
  • Snoring and other nighttime noises

The data from a sleep study can shed light on a number of sleep disorders. One of the most common conditions that affects the quality of sleep is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Fortunately, sleep apnea in Boca Raton is highly treatable.

Achieving a Better Night’s Sleep

If you receive a diagnosis of OSA, that means the soft tissues in your mouth are blocking your airway, causing you to temporarily stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. The resulting interruptions in your sleep cycle can cause excessive daytime drowsiness and a number of other serious symptoms.

A CPAP machine, which gently forces air into the airway, is the most common treatment for OSA. However, many dental professionals offer an alternative treatment. A custom designed oral appliance can gently reposition your jaw at night, allowing for freer airflow. Many patients find that oral appliance therapy is more comfortable and easier to get used to than a CPAP.

Do you suspect that you have a sleep disorder? A sleep study may be the key to discovering the cause of your problem and finding a treatment that can help you get the high quality rest you deserve.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth A. Mogell is a dentist in Boca Raton who has undergone extensive training in how to provide sleep apnea therapy to patients. He thoroughly understands OSA and the structural issues associated with it, making him qualified to design custom oral appliances for OSA sufferers. If you would like Dr. Mogell’s help to fight your OSA, contact our office today at 561-353-5252.