Dr. Corbitt and team know sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder. Some of these progress to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns. Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.
In fact, in a recent study, researchers discovered that sleeping less than 9 hours, going to bed late and no bedtime routine can – and do – affect children’s academic skills. If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, please give us a call at 682.200.3198. Dr. Corbitt has completed UCLA’s Sleep Medicine mini residency, which has given her the ability to screen patients for sleep apnea and refer to a sleep clinic for a sleep study, if necessary. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to so many health issues, early diagnosis and treatment is very important.
Contact our practice, and we can schedule a sleep apnea screening appointment. We may recommend an overnight sleep study to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, which is needed to prescribe the appropriate treatment. Depending on your medical insurance, Dr. Corbitt may refer you directly to the sleep clinic or contact your primary care for the referral.