Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders affecting adults and even some children in the U.S. It causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, leaving you feeling tired, irritable, or unable to stay awake during the day. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and other serious health conditions.

If you’re struggling with symptoms like loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, or constant fatigue, it may be time to consider a sleep study near you in Green Bay, WI. At Allouez Family Dental, our dental team works closely with board-certified sleep medicine specialists and accredited sleep centers to help patients get the answers they need and find effective treatment options.

Call our Green Bay dental practice at (920) 339-8980 to schedule your sleep apnea consultation. Dr. Daniel Fama and Dr. Kyle Whiteside proudly serve patients in Allouez, Abrams, Denmark, Casco, Seymour, and the surrounding Green Bay communities.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that interrupts your ability to get restful sleep. These breathing pauses—called apneas—can last for seconds or even minutes and often occur multiple times each night.

There are two main types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused when the throat muscles relax and temporarily block airflow.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, caused by the brain failing to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Both types of sleep apnea can seriously impact your overall health, well-being, and daily quality of life.

What Is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study (polysomnography) is a safe, noninvasive diagnostic procedure that evaluates how your body functions while you sleep. During the study, sleep technologists and respiratory therapists monitor brain waves, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, heart rate, and body movements.

This state-of-the-art evaluation helps determine whether you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, allowing your sleep specialist to recommend the best treatment procedures for your needs.

Types of Sleep Studies

Depending on your symptoms, age, and medical conditions, your doctor may recommend one of several sleep tests:

• Diagnostic Sleep Study (Polysomnography): Monitors a full range of body functions such as brain activity, muscle tone, breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rhythm throughout the night.
• Split-Night Sleep Study: If severe sleep apnea symptoms are detected early in the night, the test may switch to treatment monitoring, often using CPAP therapy.
• Home Sleep Study: Conducted with portable devices, these are a convenient option for some patients who may not need a full in-lab test.

What to Expect During The Sleep Study Process

Many patients feel anxious about spending the night in a sleep center, but the process is simple and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation & Preparation

Your journey begins with a visit to Dr. Daniel Fama or Dr. Kyle Whiteside at our Green Bay dental office. We’ll review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors (like caffeine use, medication, or stress) that may contribute to poor sleep. If needed, we’ll connect you with a local board-certified sleep specialist for testing.

Study Setup

At the sleep lab, a registered technologist will attach small sensors to your scalp, chest, legs, and near your nose and mouth. These record data such as brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels, and muscle movements.

Falling Asleep

Once the equipment is in place, you’ll be encouraged to relax and follow your normal bedtime routine. Private rooms are designed to feel like home, making it easier to fall asleep naturally.

Overnight Monitoring

Throughout the night, board-certified sleep technologists will monitor your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels while recording every stage of sleep.

Morning Evaluation

In the morning, sensors are removed, and you’ll be able to shower and head home. Your physician will then review the data and provide a diagnosis.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea or another disorder, our Green Bay dentists will work with your physician to provide effective treatment options—ranging from oral appliance therapy to CPAP or lifestyle changes.

Common Sleep Disorders Diagnosed With Sleep Studies

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• Insomnia (often linked to restless leg syndrome or anxiety-related conditions)
• Narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep episodes)
• Parasomnias (such as sleepwalking, REM sleep behavior disorder, and night terrors)

The Cost of a Sleep Study in Green Bay, WI

The cost of a sleep study in Wisconsin can range from $500 to $10,000, depending on whether it’s a home test or an in-lab study and your insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions