Sleep Medicine Services & Treatment in Austin

If you sleep poorly, Sleep Medicine in Austin can help determine if you have a sleep disorder. Our sleep medicine experts assess and treat breathing, airway and brain systems that affect sleep.

Sleep study

Assessments are performed in our sleep lab, which has two suites dedicated to sleep testing. Each room is designed to look and feel like a real bedroom.

The testing process, which begins at 8 p.m., includes monitoring heart, lung and brain activity; breathing; arm and leg movements; and blood oxygen levels. The information gathered is used to help determine if you're getting a restful night's sleep. You'll see your primary care provider at a later date to discuss study results and next steps.

Possible benefits of treatment for sleep disorders include:

• Improved sleep
• Feeling like you are awake and functional all the time
• Minimized health problems, such as controlling high blood pressure

Sleep apnea

Patients who shows signs of obstructive sleep apnea are awakened during the sleep study and fitted with a CPAP device. This mask, which fits over the nose, directs air to upper airway passages, keeping them open, and preventing apnea and snoring. After the study, your primary care provider will help determine if the device is right for you.

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Snoring, interrupted by pauses in breathing
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Restless sleep
• Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
• Morning headache
• Poor concentration or judgment
• Memory loss
• Frequent urination at night

Factors making you more likely to experience sleep apnea include:

• Excess weight, especially around the neck
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Age, as most sleep apnea occurs in people ages 40–70
• Gender, as men are more likely than women to experience sleep apnea
• Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers, which relax throat muscles

Testing for sleep disorders is covered by most insurance companies and Medicare. See your primary care provider to talk about your sleep problems and be referred for a sleep study.