Sleep Apnea, Periodic Limb Movement, Restless Legs Syndrome, and Cardio-vascular Complications

Sleep Apnea
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which determines reimbursement for treatment, defines sleep apnea as an apnea-plus-hypopnea index (AHI) of 15 or more or an AHI of 5 or more with hypertension, stroke, sleepiness, ischemic heart disease, insomnia, or mood disorders—all common in the older population. Apnea is defined as cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the patient continues trying to breathe during the cessation, usually indicating that the pharynx is occluded or obstructed. Central sleep apnea occur...