How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Sleep apnea is a common and potentially serious breathing disorder that causes breathing to stop and restart several times during sleep. These involuntary breathing pauses are called apneic events.

Sleep apnea happens when there is a blockage of the airway or when the brain fails to regulate breathing. This can prevent your body from getting adequate oxygen and lead to various health problems, including:

High blood pressure
Increased risk of heart attack, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular problems
Increased risk of diabetes
Sleep deprivation

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring
Gasping or choking for air during sleep
Restless sleep
Breathing pauses
Daytime fatigue
Trouble staying asleep
Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness)
Dry mouth

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a healthcare professional who may ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and sleep history. They may refer you to a sleep specialist or a sleep center to undergo testing. The most common tests for sleep apnea are:

Polysomnogram, an overnight sleep study conducted in a sleep lab. Here you will be hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart rate, breathing, arm and leg movements, and other functions
Home sleep apnea test, which is the at-home version of the sleep study. Key metrics and functions are measured with a portable device. Home sleep apnea tests may sometimes miss certain metrics. Therefore, your healthcare provider may still recommend a polysomnogram.

Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, your healthcare provider will recommend treatment based on the severity of your symptoms, general health, and age. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, oxygen, devices such as a CPAP machine, dental appliances, orofacial therapy, or surgery.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Sleep Medicine utilizes state-of-the-art technology to diagnose sleep disorders. Several testing options are available at our sleep lab in Queens. We also offer home sleep studies to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and several treatment devices and therapies, including Inspire Therapy. To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist, please call 718-206-5916.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Linked to Parkinson’s Disease?

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A new study conducted by Oregon Health and Science University and the Portland Veterans Administration (VA) Health Care System has found that people who have untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can have an increased risk of eventually developing Parkinson’s disease.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when people repeatedly stop and start breathing while they sleep due to the throat muscles relaxing and blocking their airway.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.

The study analyzed the health records of 13,737,081 U.S. veterans collected by the Department of Veterans Affairs from 1999 to 2022. The average age of the participants in the study was 60.5 years, with 9.8% being women.

1,552,505 participants of the study had obstructive sleep apnea. Six years after their original OSA diagnosis, there were 1.6 cases of Parkinson’s disease for every 1,000 individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, compared to those without it.

What’s more, the study shows that because OSA causes repeated airflow blockages during sleep, it leads to low oxygen levels and briefly interrupted blood flow to the brain and blood vessels. It can also lead to ischemia-reperfusion, which occurs when blood flow is restored after a period of reduced blood supply, leading to cells becoming damaged instead of healing. When this occurs, it causes fragmented sleep and triggers the autonomic centers in the brain, making neurons and blood vessels vulnerable. Similarly, Parkinson’s disease causes neurons to slowly break down and die, affecting neurological function.

People who are suffering from OSA can improve their sleep quality with early treatment using common treatments for sleep apnea, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask or the new Inspire device. Unlike the CPAP mask, the Inspire device works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process, using mild stimulation to open the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up. could help lower their risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

If you would like to get tested for sleep apnea, you can make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Sleep Center by calling 718-206-5916.

To learn more about CPAP or Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call 718-206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT doctor.

If you would like to learn more about Parkinson’s disease, you can schedule an appointment with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Best Sleep Postures

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Everyone has a particular position they use while sleeping. However, people frequently overlook the importance of their sleeping position.

Your sleep posture can influence how your body feels, the quality of your sleep, and even certain health conditions. Finding the right sleep position can relieve stress on the spine and joints, and may also impact factors such as a person’s breathing and risk of heartburn.

The best sleep position is one that promotes healthy spine alignment from the hips to the head. What works best for a person depends on their health situation and what they find comfortable.

Some sleep positions are healthier than others. For example, sleeping on the side or back is considered more beneficial than sleeping on the stomach. In either of these positions, it is easier to keep your spine supported and balanced because it relieves pressure, allowing the muscles to relax and recover.

Spinal support is only one part of the equation. Sleeping positions can also have effects on a range of health issues, including sleep apnea, acid reflux, and pain.

If a person is suffering from sleep apnea, the best sleep position to help reduce symptoms is to sleep on their side or stomach because it keeps their airways open while they sleep.

For a person with heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the best sleeping position is on their left side, which helps make it harder for stomach acid to reach the junction between the stomach and esophagus.

Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent with a small pillow between them is the best sleeping position for someone who has lower back pain, which allows the entire spine to stay in a neutral position, and that spinal alignment helps reduce neck and back pain.

To help someone relieve their neck pain, the best sleeping position is on their back with their arms in a similar position. This reduces the overactivity of the muscles around the neck and doesn’t put more pressure on one side of their body.

If someone is experiencing both hip and knee pain, they can reduce the pain by sleeping on their side with a pillow between their knees, which can keep the hips, pelvis, and spine aligned, easing pressure on joints and muscles.

For women who are pregnant, the best sleeping position is on their left side with their knees bent, which improves circulation, making it easier for nutrient-rich blood to reach the placenta, and can help reduce pressure on the liver and lower back. It may also help ease swelling in the legs, feet, and hands.

When a person has allergies or a stuffy nose, sleeping upright is the best sleeping position to help their airways stay open, allowing the stuffy nose to drain.

Getting a good night’s sleep is important to your health and well-being. However, sometimes the position you choose to sleep in can cause or worsen breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, or aggravate back and neck pain. If any of these conditions arise, you may want to try to sleep in a different position.

If you are having difficulty sleeping and would like help, Jamaica Hospital’s state-of-the-art sleep center can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

Sleep Apnea Complications

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.

There are three main types of sleep apnea. They include:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, occurs when an individual with OSA develops CSA while undergoing therapy for their OSA.

The symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea overlap, which makes it difficult to determine which type a person has. The most common symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring

Episodes in which a person stops breathing during sleep

Gasping for air during sleep

Awakening with a dry mouth

Morning headaches

Insomnia

Hypersomnia

Difficulty paying attention while awake

Irritability

Sleep apnea can cause several complications, including:

Daytime fatigue

High blood pressure or heart problems

Type 2 diabetes

Metabolic syndrome

Complications with medicines and surgery

Liver problems

Sleep-deprived partners

To diagnose sleep apnea, a healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and sleep history. They may refer you to a sleep disorder center, where a sleep specialist can help determine if further evaluation is needed. An evaluation can involve overnight monitoring of your breathing and other body functions during sleep testing. Tests to detect sleep apnea include:

Nocturnal polysomnography

Home sleep tests

If you have OSA, a healthcare provider may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out a blockage in your nose and throat.

To treat sleep apnea, a healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, in mild cases. Other sleep apnea treatments include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Other airway pressure devices

Oral appliances

Tissue removal

Tissue shrinkage

Jaw repositioning

Implants

Nerve stimulation

Tracheostomy

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in Queens to offer Inspire therapy, a breakthrough treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for those who cannot use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

To learn more about Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call (718) 206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT specialist.

Sleep Paralysis

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep paralysis is a type of parasomnia that occurs when the body is between stages of sleep and wakefulness lasting for a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

During an episode of sleep paralysis, you are aware of your surroundings but can’t speak or move. You can still move your eyes and breathe. You may also feel:

Fear
Panic
Helplessness
Anxious

When it ends, you may feel confused because you will regain movement of your body as if nothing happened. You can feel nervous about going to sleep after an episode of sleep paralysis, and it can affect how you feel and function during the day.

Sleep paralysis isn’t dangerous, however, it can cause emotional distress during an episode. Some cases of sleep paralysis are linked to other disorders.

You can experience several symptoms during an episode of sleep paralysis either right before falling asleep or as you’re waking up, including:

You can’t move your arms and legs
You can’t speak
Sensations of pressure against your chest or moving out of your own body
Hallucinations, such as a dangerous person in your room
Daytime sleepiness

Symptoms may first appear in childhood or adolescence. Episodes are more frequent in your 20s and 30s.

The exact cause of sleep paralysis is unknown. However, healthcare providers believe it could happen due to the following:

Narcolepsy
Sleep deprivation
An irregular sleep schedule
Obstructive sleep apnea
Mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or panic disorder
Certain medications
Substance use disorder

To diagnose sleep paralysis, healthcare providers can confirm or rule it out after a physical exam and a sleep evaluation. A provider may ask you about the following:

Your symptoms, such as how often you experience sleep paralysis, what it feels like, and when it started
The quantity and quality of sleep you get, such as how many hours you sleep at night and whether you feel tired during the day
Your medical history, including what medications you currently take and whether you smoke, use alcohol, or non-prescribed drugs
Your family history and if you’re aware of any biological family members who experience sleep paralysis

To further diagnose sleep paralysis, a healthcare provider may recommend testing if they suspect certain sleep disorders like narcolepsy. Tests can include:

An overnight sleep study
Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)

Treatment for sleep paralysis will depend on the reason why you have it. A healthcare provider may recommend the following:

Taking medications that prevent you from reaching the REM stage of sleep
Taking medications to treat an underlying mental health condition or sleep disorder, such as antidepressants
Improving your sleep hygiene
Talking to a mental health provider if you experience frequent stress

There isn’t much you can do to prevent sleep paralysis from happening. However, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

One of the best ways to avoid sleep paralysis is to improve your quality of sleep. You can do this by:

Having a set sleep schedule with specific times for going to bed and waking up
Creating a comfortable sleep environment that is dark and quiet
Putting phones, tablets, e-readers, and computers away before bedtime
Relaxing before bed by taking a bath, reading, or listening to soothing music

If you are suffering from sleep paralysis, Jamaica Hospital’s state-of-the-art sleep center can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

Sleepwalking

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Sleepwalking or somnambulism is a sleep disorder that causes you to walk around or perform other activities while asleep. Approximately 7% of people have sleepwalked once in their lifetime.

Sleepwalking tends to run in families, and it occurs more commonly in children than adults. Children usually outgrow the condition by the time they’ve reached their teenage years or by the time they become adults. Sleepwalking may however continue into adulthood for some individuals.

In addition to age and genetics other factors that may lead to sleepwalking include:

Taking certain medications
Stress
Lack of sleep
Fever
Obstructive sleep apnea
Restless leg syndrome
Alcohol use

Sleepwalking typically happens 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep and may last for several minutes. SleepFoundation.org states that a sleepwalking episode may involve:

Walking or running
Urinating in inappropriate places
Open, glassy eyes with a blank look on the face
Routine actions, like getting dressed
Minimally responsive or incoherent speech

People who sleepwalk may also sleep eat or take part in sexual activity without being aware of it.

It is important to take steps to create a safe environment and prevent injuries in people who sleepwalk. This can be done by keeping doors and windows locked, securing dangerous items, removing breakable items, or using alarms or motion-sensing devices.

Sleepwalking occasionally is not a concern and does not require treatment. However, if episodes occur frequently, for example, one or two nights a week, or more you should see a doctor. You should also speak with a doctor if sleepwalking leads to dangerous behaviors, disturbs or puts others at risk for injury, continues into a child’s teen years, or begins in adulthood.

Diagnosing sleepwalking may include a physical examination, reviewing your medical history, or participating in an overnight sleep study. Treatment may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, applying relaxation and stress reduction techniques, scheduled waking, or medication.

To speak with a specialist about sleep-related health problems you may be experiencing, please schedule an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center by calling 718-206-7001.

Hypersomnia

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Hypersomnia is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness. Hypersomnia can be categorized as primary or secondary.

Primary hypersomnia is not caused by any other medical conditions; it is a condition in its own right. Conditions classified as primary hypersomnia include narcolepsy, Kleine-Levin syndrome, and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Secondary hypersomnia results from other medical conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, or bipolar disorder. It can also result from taking certain medications such as anti-hypertensive drugs, barbiturates, and anti-psychotics.

People living with hypersomnia feel extremely tired or sleepy during the day, even after getting adequate sleep at night. They have difficulty staying awake and fall asleep several times during the day. Other signs and symptoms of hypersomnia include:

Sleeping longer than normal (10 or more hours each day)
Difficulty waking up in the mornings
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Hallucinations
Slow thinking and speech
Anxiety
Low energy
Irritability
Headache

Ignoring the signs and symptoms of hypersomnia can put you at risk for accidents and greatly affect your social, work, and personal life.

If you are consistently feeling sleepy despite getting adequate rest, you should speak with your doctor who can order several tests to determine a diagnosis.

Diagnosing hypersomnia may include getting an overnight sleep test, a multiple sleep latency test, or assessing your sleepiness using an Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Treatments for hypersomnia may include medications and making lifestyle changes such as sticking to a sleep schedule and avoiding alcohol and other substances that can affect your sleep.

To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.

Insomnia

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, It is estimated that 30% of adults living in the United States experience symptoms of insomnia.

Insomnia can be categorized into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is not linked to any other health conditions. In contrast, secondary insomnia can be caused by underlying health conditions or medication side effects.

Symptoms of insomnia may vary and can last for a short time ( a few days or weeks), or they can be chronic occurring at least three times per week and lasting more than three months. Insomnia symptoms can include:

Having a hard time falling asleep at night
Trouble staying asleep throughout the night
Waking up too early
Tiredness or sleepiness during the day
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Irritability
Mood swings

Longterm sleep deprivation caused by severe or chronic insomnia can lead to the development of complications such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Sleep apnea
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Obesity
Stroke

Getting good quality sleep is crucial for our mental and physical health. There are a few things that we can do to improve our quality of sleep. They include:

Setting and following a sleep schedule
Avoid using electronic devices before bed
Avoid eating heavy meals late in the day
Avoid the consumption of foods or beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine before bed

If you are experiencing long-term insomnia symptoms that are affecting your ability to do daily activities, you should speak with a doctor. A sleep specialist can conduct a series of tests to determine the cause of sleep deprivation and create a treatment plan.

To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.

How Does Blue Light Affect Sleep?

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Devices such as smartphones, laptops, and smart televisions emit blue light, which is a color on the light spectrum that’s visible to the human eye. Blue light also contains the highest level of energy on the light spectrum.

While blue light may offer benefits when utilized during the day, such as helping to boost attention and mood, it can cause several problems when used at night. The most common is interfering with our sleep cycles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to blue light emitted from devices used at night can make it difficult for us to fall asleep or can wake us up too early.

Blue light has this effect because light plays an essential role in aligning circadian rhythms, which is the body’s internal clock that helps to regulate sleep and wake cycles. The CDC explains that the “body’s circadian clock responds to light, as a signal to be awake, and dark, as a signal to fall asleep.”

Blue light stimulates the part of our brain that makes us alert and it suppresses the body’s secretion of melatonin; the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. Exposure can trick our brains into thinking it’s daytime even when using devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops at night.

To prevent this problem, and reduce the risk of blue light exposure, the Sleep Foundation recommends:
• Turning off electronics two to three hours before bedtime
• Dimming the lights on electronics or using night mode
• Using smartphone or computer applications designed to reduce the emission of blue light
• Using an eye mask to sleep if you are unable to turn off or dim certain light sources

Creating a healthy sleep environment can help us to achieve the rest our bodies need to reenergize and heal. This involves making sure that lights do not interfere with our sleep.

To learn more about creating a healthy sleep environment, or to speak with a specialist about sleep-related health problems you may be experiencing, please schedule an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center by calling 718-206-7001.

Signs of Poor Sleep Quality

Posted on December 22, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Sleep quality is defined by the National Sleep Foundation as, “the measurement of how well you’re sleeping”—in other words, whether your sleep is restful and restorative.

Getting adequate amounts of quality sleep is essential for our health. It allows our bodies to recharge and provides additional benefits including:

Improving memory and concentration
Strengthening the immune system
Reducing stress
Lowering the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes

Consequently, not getting enough quality sleep can have a negative effect on our health. A lack of quality sleep can result in:

Difficulty concentrating
Insomnia and other sleep disorders
Increased stress
An increased risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes
An increased risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression

Thankfully, our body tells us when we are depriving ourselves of quality sleep so that we can make improvements. Signs of poor-quality sleep include:

Taking 30 minutes or more to fall asleep
Feeling sleepy or tired, even after getting enough sleep
Waking up often throughout the night and lying awake for several minutes
Having trouble concentrating during the day
Experiencing hunger more often
Experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder such as snoring or gasping for air
Having dark circles or bags under the eyes

Improving sleep quality can be achieved by making simple changes to our lifestyles. Here are a few recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.
Remove electronic devices such as TVs, computers, and phones from the bedroom.
Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Don’t use tobacco.
Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

If you are having difficulty falling and staying asleep for an extended period, speak with your doctor to explore possible causes. Your physician may recommend that you see a sleep specialist who can diagnose and treat a variety of sleep disorders.

To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.