Sleep medicine

Loud habitual snoring with breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness can be caused by sleep apnea. Sleep related breathing problems can be found in 3 to 5% of the population. Sleep apnea is a risk factor for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. When symptoms like breathing pauses or witnessed apnea, choking or gasping during sleep or nonrestorative sleep exist, a thorough sleep medical examination becomes necessary:

Cardio-respiratory polygraphy (portable monitoring/home sleep testing):
For this examination the patient carries a portable monitoring device for one night, which he takes back home. The device records breathing activity and oxygen saturation during sleep. Sleep related apnea and transient declines in oxygen saturation can be detected. If a relevant number of breathing pauses is recorded, further diagnostic testing, i.e. polysomnography in an inpatient setting, is required.
Portable monitoring is also used for regular follow-up of patients using non-invasive ventilation (i.e. Positive airway pressure, CPAP).

We can offer these examinations to patients with private insurance or self payers.