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Salem Township Hospital announces a new free service offered by their Sleep Disorder Lab.  Apnea Link is a small monitor that is worn overnight at home to screen for sleep apnea. A report is then given to the patient and/or their physician.

An estimated 30% of adults snore. However, people who snore loudly and are excessively sleepy during the day may be suffering from Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing during sleep for more than 10 seconds, several times during the night. Sleep apnea sufferers usually don’t know they have stopped breathing or that they have been awakened because they are only aroused enough to start breathing again, then fall back to a deeper sleep and the apnea starts again.

Polysomnography, usually called a sleep study, is used to diagnose sleep apnea. Since some patients are reluctant to go through the sleep study for various reasons, the Apnea Link may be another option. Physicians and patients can then determine if there is a need for further study.

For more information, contact Chris Jahn at 548-3194 ext 8241, or email cjahn@salemtownhosp.org.