Study Finds Link between Sleep Apnea and Lower Exercise Capacity

One of the most trusted physicians in Alaska, Dr. John Krehlik functions out of his own sleep medicine practice in Anchorage, where he specializes in treating snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. John Krehlik provides a wide range of services, including sleep therapy, physical exams, and CPAP therapy and is committed to helping patients understand how undiagnosed sleep apnea may affect their daily lives.

A recent study led by the University of California, San Diego, found that individuals who suffer from sleep apnea may lack the capability to burn high levels of oxygen during aerobic exercise. The disorder has already been linked to a higher risk of stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and heart disease, and many researchers believe that VO2 max, or peak VO2, a measure of exercise capacity, is an early marker of increased stroke and heart attack risk. VO2, which is measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, refers to the maximum oxygen burned by an individual during strenuous exercise.

The study found that individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea had up to 14 percent lower levels of peak oxygen uptake while exercising when compared to individuals without the disorder. Seen among patients with similar body mass indices, this effect indicated that obesity is not necessarily linked to the lower levels of oxygen uptake. Based on these results, researchers believe that sleep apnea is also linked to an impaired exercise capacity; however, further research is still needed.

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An Introduction to Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Dr. John Krehlik stands out as the only board-certified sleep physician in southeast Alaska and the first internal medicine physician statewide to secure this certification. Dr. John Krehlik has owned and practiced at a private sleep medicine practice in Juneau since 2002 and maintains affiliated sleep clinics across the state.

Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of apnea, stems from a blockage of the upper airway while the patient sleeps. Depending on whether this blockage is complete or partial, the patient may have difficulty breathing or cease breathing altogether. Either of these manifestations causes the lower respiratory system to overcompensate and overwork to draw air into the lungs. When this happens, the patient often awakes abruptly with a loud gasp or snort as breathing resumes. The patient typically resumes sleeping almost immediately, but since the process tends to repeat itself, the patient tends to experience excessive daytime sleepiness or irritability.

A condition that affects more than 12 million people in the United States today, sleep apnea tends to occur more often in men than women and becomes more common as a patient ages. More than half of sleep apnea patients are overweight, though congenital issues, such as an excess of tissue at the back of the throat, may also serve as contributing factors. Patients with thicker necks or narrower airways are also more likely to develop the condition.

Dr. Krehlik works closely with all health providers across the entire state of Alaska to diagnose and treat snoring and apnea. A simple device makes it easy to be tested for sleep apnea in the comfort of your own home. Please visit http://www.AlaskaSleepDoctor.com for more information.

Benefits of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure – CPAP

The only board-certified sleep medicine specialist in southeast Alaska, Dr. John Krehlik has been treating patients for disorders such as sleep apnea since 1984. Dr. John Krehlik advocates the use of home sleep testing to help evaluate the quality of sleep. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is recognized as one of the most effective therapies for sleep apnea. This involves the patient wearing a mask to ensure open airways.

Below are a few of the benefits of CPAP.

Reduced snoring – Since the CPAP helps to keep airways open during sleep, this will help to cut down – or eliminate altogether – the sound of snoring. This will lead to a quieter and better night of sleep for all parties.

Alertness during waking hours – As sleep apnea causes fatigue and sleepiness during the day, one of the direct effects of CPAP is better sleep at night, which in turn allows for heightened alertness during the day.

Regulated breathing – With CPAP regulating breathing, the elimination of sudden disruptions in breathing should yield a continuous and more enjoyable night of sleep. Better sleep will also help reduce the adverse effects of aging, hypertension, and diabetes.

Contact www.AlaskaSleepDoctor.com for more information.

Home Sleep Testing

A physician experienced in sleep medicine, Dr. John Krehlik has served the residents of Alaska for more than 30 years. In addition to providing a range of services at his sleep medicine clinics in the state, Dr. John Krehlik offers home sleep testing as an option for diagnosing conditions such as sleep apnea.

A relatively common disorder, sleep apnea can often go undiagnosed for a long time. For many individuals, home sleep testing is a convenient and affordable way to find out if they are among those living with sleep apnea.

During a home sleep test, a person remains attached to a monitoring device that measures factors such as airflow, breathing effort, blood oxygen levels, head and neck movement, and snoring sounds. Individuals best suited for home tests are those between 18 and 65 years of age who have a high risk for sleep apnea, and no other major health issues or sleep disorders. Currently, home sleep testing is covered by many insurance plans, including Premera and Aetna.