A good night's rest is directly related to your overall health and well-being. One-third of all Americans have a sleep disorder at some time in their lives. Some keep people toss and turn, unable to sleep through most of the night. Others find themselves tired and miserable even after a full night's sleep. Some people are not even aware that symptoms such as headaches and lack of concentration may be related to a sleep disorder.

A significant number of Americans experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder in which the mouth or throat soft tissue intermittently obstruct the airway during sleep.

Symptoms of OSA 

• Snoring
• Non-refreshed sleep
• Daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Lack of concentration
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Falling asleep at inappropriate times (at work or while driving) 

Increased post-operative surgical risks for patients with OSA:

• Low oxygen levels
• High carbon dioxide levels
• Unplanned days in intensive care unit
• Reintubation

• Cardiac events

How to prepare for your surgery if you are at risk for OSA:

• Inform your surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurse.
• If you are using PAP therapy to treat OSA, bring your equipment with you to use after surgery.
• If you are not on PAP therapy, consider having a sleep study to see if treatment is needed. 

A Quick Test - STOP BANG

Take this quick test to see if you may be at risk.

Answer yes or no:

If you answered yes to four or more of these questions, you could be at risk for severe OSA.