Sleep Disorders Laboratory

Getting a good night’s sleep is vitally important for your health and overall quality of life. We use the latest sleep medicine approaches to treat sleep apnea to get you back on track and rested.  

A prevalent sleep disorder, sleep apnea causes your breathing to stop or become very shallow while you are sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of the condition, results from the relaxing of upper airway tissues and muscles that block necessary oxygen from entering your lungs. Pauses in breathing may last 10 to 20 seconds or more and happen many times an hour, at times, leading you to wake up gasping for air.

Sleep apnea sufferers are often unaware that they have the disorder. But left undiagnosed or untreated, sleep apnea can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep which may make you tired and less alert during the day and could lead to long-term cardiovascular problems.

Why Choose Us?

At University of Vermont Health Network, you will have access to the full range of therapeutic options available for treating your sleep apnea. Our sleep specialists create a treatment strategy tailored specifically to your needs, from simple lifestyle changes to implanted breathing devices.   

We are committed to improving your health and quality of life through better sleep. We offer: 

• Multidisciplinary approach: Because sleeplessness can occur for many reasons, our highly qualified sleep medicine providers collaborate with a range of specialists to ensure you receive the most comprehensive care possible. Our dedicated partners may include dentists, neurologists, pulmonologists, psychologists, pediatricians and otolaryngologists (ENT specialists).  
• Research-driven care: As a health system anchored by an academic medical center, we offer evidenced-based diagnostic and treatment plans grounded in the newest discoveries in the field of sleep medicine. 

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

People of all ages can develop sleep apnea. Because many symptoms of sleep apnea occur while you are sleeping, you may not even be aware. Significant others and roommates are often the first to notice your sleep apnea symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Excessive daytime drowsiness 
• Chronic fatigue 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches
• Loud snoring or snorts
• Choking or gagging sounds
• Dry mouth 
• Waking up multiple times
• Pauses in breathing during sleep (witnessed by others)
• Gasping for air at night

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Our sleep medicine team provides at-home sleep apnea testing to accurately diagnose and treat your sleep problems.

The painless study involves taping or using an adhesive to securely attach electrodes and sensors to areas on your face and head and legs. The procedure allows for free movement in bed during your overnight sleep study in the comfort of your own home. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment

At UVM Health Network, we offer the latest solutions for treating your sleep apnea, including:

• Behavioral changes (such as weight loss and sleep positions)
• Physical and mechanical devices, such as CPAP machines
• Implanted devices, such as hypoglossal nerve stimulators that enhance neuromuscular tone in the upper airway to improve sleep apnea symptoms
• Surgery for enlarged tonsils and adenoids that are obstructing the airway