Sleep Apnea

Learn About Sleep Apnea From Our Rochester, MN Expert

Treatment Might Save Your Life

Millions of people have sleep-related issues like snoring or difficulty getting enough sleep. If you snore, feel fatigued, or wake up often, you might have a disorder called sleep apnea. Though this condition is serious, it's often misunderstood.

Many people with sleep apnea don't even know they have sleep issues. That's because sleep apnea often only causes you to wake up briefly, and you may not be conscious enough to remember it.

Severe Health Conditions Associated With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is not a condition to be taken lightly because it can lead to serious health complications. Some of these complications include:

  • Changes in metabolism
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems
  • Lack of oxygen to the brain
  • Heart attacks
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Possibility of sudden death

Unfortunately, sleep apnea is an underdiagnosed disorder. Though treatment can help to prevent severe health degradation, many people, unfortunately, suffer without a diagnosis. Sleep apnea treatment can make an immediate difference in your life by giving you more energy and helping you feel healthier.

How Do I Find Out if I Have Sleep Apnea?

The most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Waking up throughout the night
  • Gasping or choking at night
  • Poor memory
  • Irritability
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Headaches
  • Thick neck
  • Bags or dark circles under the eyes

If this list sounds familiar, you might have sleep apnea. In this case, contact our office by calling (507) 701-1127 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Henrichsen.

Sleep Apnea Screening With the ARES™ System

Dr. Henrichsen uses the state-of-the-art ARES (Apnea Risk Evaluation System) diagnostic system to screen patients for sleep apnea. This innovative system uses physiological data we acquire from a home sleep test along with your clinical history as well as anthropomorphic data.

With all this information, a board-certified medical doctor we work with can determine if you have sleep apnea and how severe it is. The ARES system has been cleared by the FDA for use within the United States.