Some research has also found daytime tiredness puts people with OSA at an increased risk for fatigue-related accidents including automobile crashes. Because the signs of OSA can be similar to those of other conditions, or may be caused by underlying conditions, it is important to check with your doctor. The first step in determining if you have OSA is to get a thorough physical examination. The PSG monitors breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and other factors while the patient is asleep. Treatment of sleep apnea varies depending upon the specific reason the passage of air is being blocked during sleep.
Treatment can be as simple as changing sleep position or avoiding alcohol or sedatives.
Weight loss often improves symptoms of OSA, but must be maintained for benefits to continue. While sleeping, the patient wears a plastic mask or nasal prongs connected to a device that maintains the flow of air during sleep. Surgeries to treat OSA are available, but are often not successful in relieving OSA over a long period. Patients and their doctors should discuss the success rates, complications, and failure rates of any procedure before beginning treatment. The conditions under which health plans cover diagnosis and treatment methods of OSA varies.