What is Sleep Apnea? 

When most people hear sleep apnea, they think of snoring. And while snoring is a common symptom, it’s just one part of the sleep disorder that affects about 30 million adults in the United States.  

“There’s a difference between snoring on its own – or primary snoring – and having sleep apnea,” WVU Medicine Boarded Sleep Physician Dr. Robert Bowen said. “Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by your breathing stopping and starting during sleep. Untreated it can lead to more serious health issues.” 

Sleep apnea symptoms include snoring that is often much louder than primary snoring. In addition, those with sleep apnea may gasp, choke, and take irregular shallow breaths while they sleep.  

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, your primary care provider or family doctor can refer you for a sleep study at The Center for Sleep Medicine, a department of Berkeley Medical Center. There, we can provide services that identify and treat sleep apnea and other disorders.  

Treatments for sleep apnea can include: 

• Lifestyle changes for mild cases 
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) 
• Inspire Sleep Apnea Treatment, a small device that is surgically implanted. 
• Oral appliances 
• Positional therapy

CPAP is the most commonly prescribed treatment for sleep apnea, but according to the National Sleep Foundation, roughly 40 percent of adults say they’re hesitant to seek treatment out of concerns over sleeping with a CPAP machine. In addition, for those who have been prescribed CPAP treatment, a top reason for not following treatment is not having enough support.  

“Our goal is to provide support and education to those that need it,” Carol Ann Williams, supervisor at the WVU Medicine Center for Sleep Medicine, said.  

A monthly support group for dealing with sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, our Sleep is available the fourth Thursday of every month at the WVU Medicine Center for Sleep Medicine, 210 Viking Way, Martinsburg, West Virginia. The group is a safe and encouraging space to connect, share, and learn together. 

“We offer CPAP equipment checks, mask fittings, guidance directly from sleep health experts, and encourage attendance from anyone with questions about sleep disorders or treatment,” Williams said.  

Call to RSVP to the Sleep Support Group: 304-821-1461 

Featured Expert

Dr. Robert Bowen