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Sleep Apnea Specialist

The Sleep Lab Jamil S. Sulieman, MD, FAASM Our Services Sleep Apnea

The Sleep Lab

Jamil S. Sulieman, MD, FAASM

Sleep Medicine located in Kaneohe, HI & Honolulu, HI

Between 2-9% of Americans have sleep apnea, a disorder that causes you to stop and start breathing during sleep. At The Sleep Lab, sleep specialist Jamil Sulieman, MD, works with adults and teens to diagnose all three types of sleep apnea. After determining the cause of your symptoms, Dr. Sulieman can develop a custom treatment plan to help you sleep better. To make an appointment, call the office in Kaneohe, Hawaii, or click the online booking feature today.

Sleep Apnea Q&A

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a group of sleep disorders that affect your breathing during sleep. The Sleep Lab treats all three types of sleep apnea, including:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA occurs when the tissues at the back of your throat relax during sleep. When this happens, the tissue blocks your airways, causing you to wake up gasping for air.

Central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea is the result of a miscommunication between your brain and the muscles that control breathing.

Complex sleep apnea

Complex sleep apnea features symptoms of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Stopping and starting breathing during sleep
  • Gasping for air
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Morning headaches
  • Irritability

If you have sleep apnea, you might also have trouble focusing or concentrating at work or school.

When should I see a sleep specialist about sleep apnea?

Make an appointment at The Sleep Lab if you regularly wake up feeling tired or unrested. That’s especially true if your symptoms last for several weeks or months, or your spouse or significant other regularly complains about your snoring. 

Who experiences sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea affects people of all ages, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

  • Being overweight
  • Having a narrowed airway
  • Consuming alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
  • Nasal congestion
  • Smoking

You’re also more likely to experience sleep apnea if you have an underlying medical condition like high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or Type 2 diabetes.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

To diagnose sleep apnea, The Sleep Lab conducts on-site overnight sleep studies. During a sleep study, your provider monitors your heart rate, oxygen levels, and neurological activity, while you sleep. 

Prior to the study, a series of electrodes are attached to your skin and head. The electrodes collect information your provider uses to make a diagnosis. 

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatment of sleep apnea depends on various factors, including your age, medical history, and the type of sleep apnea you have. Your provider at The Sleep Lab might recommend:

  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
  • Another type of airway pressure device
  • A custom oral appliance
  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Treatment for underlying medical problems

If these treatments don’t provide relief and your symptoms persist or worsen, surgical intervention might be necessary. Some of the most common surgical treatment options include soft tissue removal, tissue shrinkage, jaw repositioning, and nerve stimulation.

To explore the various treatment options for sleep apnea, make an appointment at The Sleep Lab by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.

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