Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment – Belmont, MA

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

For more than a decade, two simple questionnaires—the Berlin Questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale—have been helping patients identify risk factors and chronic behaviors common to sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. If you’re worried that you might have sleep apnea, you can use the following tests to help you determine if a visit with your doctor is necessary. With each test, your score will tell you whether your risk for sleep apnea is higher or lower. Contact us for sleep apnea and snoring treatment in Belmont, MA.

Why Choose EyeSmile Optometry & Dental Care
of Belmont for Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment?

Customized Oral Sleep Appliances
No Need for Uncomfortable CPAP Therapy
Feel Well-Rested In The Mornings

The Berlin Questionnaire

Woman covered in wires during sleep test

This 10-question test was first developed in 1996 at the Conference on Sleep in Primary Care in Berlin, Germany. Since then, it has become a trusted tool, with a 1999 study concluding that it was more effective than almost any other evaluative method being used at the time. Even today, it is one of the most effective tools in detecting and diagnosing sleep apnea that the medical community has. To learn more about the effectiveness of the Berlin Questionnaire, you can read the official study at the Annals of Internal Medicine website.

Body Mass Index Information (Height/Weight):
Do you snore?
How loud is your snoring?
How frequently do you snore?
Does your snoring bother other people?
How often have your breathing pauses been noticed?
Are you tired after sleeping?
Are you tired during waketime?
How often do you nod off or fall asleep while driving?
Do you have high blood pressure?

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Woman sleeping soundly in bed

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was developed in 1990 by Murray W. Johns of Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Using just eight questions, it was designed to test a patient’s likelihood of falling asleep during a range of daily activities. Daytime drowsiness is a common symptom of all sleep disorders, so by determining how sleepy you are during the day, you can decide if it’s time to schedule a consultation with your doctor based on your score.

How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast to feeling just tired? This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you have not done some of these things recently, try to work out how they would have affected you. Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:

0 - No chance of falling asleep
1 - Slight chance of falling asleep
2 - Moderate chance of falling asleep
3 - High chance of falling asleep

Sitting and reading
Watching TV
Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g. a theater or a meeting)
As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
Lying down to rest in the afternoon as circumstances permit
Sitting and talking to someone
Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol
In a car while stopped for a few minutes in traffic

Epworth Scoring Results

Results of sleep study with sleep apnea checked

1 - 6 = Good. You're likely getting restful sleep.
7 - 9 = Okay. Your sleep could be improved, but you may not have sleep apnea.
10 or higher = Bad. You likely have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea.

Now that you’ve had a chance to take both tests, do your scores indicate that you’re at risk for sleep apnea or another sleep disorder? If they do, schedule an appointment with your doctor now. Not only are you missing out on a great night of sleep, you could also be putting your and your partner’s health in danger. Call EyeSmile Optometry & Dental Care of Belmont if you’re ready to talk to a doctor about your symptoms. Dr. Salibian would be happy to answer all of your questions about diagnosing and treating sleep apnea or another sleep disorder.

While snoring can be irritating, both for the snorer and other members of the household, it can also signify a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Salibian offers custom nightguards and snore guards to eliminate snoring and sleep apnea, so you and your family can enjoy resting well every night.

Snoring is the sound of skin in the mouth and throat vibrating as air passes in and out of the lungs.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the structures or soft tissues of the mouth or throat completely block airflow. Patients with OSA stop breathing for ten seconds or more during sleep, and this can happen hundreds of times each night. Symptoms include abrupt awakening, accompanied by choking or coughing; morning headaches; daytime drowsiness, irritability, and falling asleep at inappropriate times.

The Sound Sleep Solution

Man waking feeling rested

EyeSmile Optometry & Dental Care of Belmont can now treat non-compliant CPAP patients with oral appliance therapy (OAT).

A night guard repositions the lower jaw slightly forward to eliminate slack in the soft tissues of the mouth. This simple appliance has helped thousands of people overcome snoring and sleep apnea. Even CPAP intolerant patients may find relief with a nightguard.

If you’re ready to get some sound sleep, talk with Dr. Salibian about a custom nightguard next time you visit our Belmont office.

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