By Amita Bhalla, MD, Orion Care
Sleep apnea is a common—and treatable—sleep disorder that affects millions of adults. Loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and waking up gasping for air are key warning signs that your airway may be closing during sleep. When breathing repeatedly stops and starts overnight, your body is deprived of oxygen, which can affect your heart, brain, and long-term health.
At Orion Care, we offer comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment to help you breathe better, sleep better, and improve your overall quality of life.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Snoring is often the first sign of a narrowed airway—but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. About one-third of habitual snorers have mild to moderate sleep apnea, and another third have severe sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, often due to relaxed throat muscles, the position of the tongue, or excess weight. The “classic” patient is a middle-aged male who snores loudly, but sleep apnea can affect women, especially after menopause, and adults of all ages and body types.
Common symptoms include:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Waking up choking or gasping
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Trouble concentrating
- Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and memory problems.
How We Diagnose Sleep Apnea
Dr. Amita Bhalla leads a two-part, patient-centered evaluation designed to identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the most effective treatment plan.
1. Comprehensive Medical & Sleep Evaluation
During your first visit, Dr. Bhalla completes a thorough history and physical exam. You’ll also complete sleep and health questionnaires to help us understand:
- Your sleep habits and environment
- Your snoring or breathing patterns
- Daytime symptoms
- Medications and supplements
- Any other health issues that may affect sleep
Not all sleep concerns require an overnight test. Dr. Bhalla will guide you on whether testing is needed.
2. Home Sleep Study or In-Lab Sleep Study
If testing is recommended, we offer:
- Home Sleep Studies – A comfortable, convenient option that lets you sleep in your own bed while wearing a small monitor.
- In-Lab Sleep Studies – For more complex cases, you may be referred to a sleep laboratory for overnight monitoring.
During a sleep study, we painlessly track:
- Brain waves and eye movements
- Heart rhythm (ECG)
- Breathing patterns and airflow
- Oxygen levels
- Muscle activity
All sensors are placed on the skin — no needles and no discomfort. In-lab studies take place in a quiet, private room with video monitoring to help us understand your sleep behavior safely and accurately.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Once your results are reviewed, Dr. Bhalla will create a customized plan that may include:
- CPAP therapy to keep your airway open
- Lifestyle changes (weight loss, sleep positioning, nasal congestion treatment)
- Oral appliances to reposition the jaw and open the airway
- Specialty referrals when needed for structural airway concerns
Our goal is simple:
Help you breathe easier, feel more rested, and protect your long-term health.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you snore, feel tired during the day, or suspect you may have sleep apnea, early evaluation can make a significant difference.
Orion Care is here to help you restore healthy, restful sleep.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Amita Bhalla.
Dr. Amita Bhalla MD is fellowship trained and board certified in Neurology (University of Birmingham, AL) and Sleep Medicine (University of Texas, Houston). Dr. A. Bhalla has an interest in Neurobiology and was a post-doctoral fellow at the Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, NC. She specializes in the treatment of sleep apnea, insomnia (using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and other sleep related disorders.