Screen patients for sleep apnea | Resmed
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Step 1:
Screen patients for sleep apnea

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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common undiagnosed respiratory sleep disorder.6 Moderate-to-severe OSA has been associated with 33% mortality over a 14-year span, compared to 6.5% and 7.7% mortality in people with mild or no sleep apnea.7

Recognizing the risk factors and symptoms of OSA and prioritizing conversations about sleep health can make a difference in identifying and treating sleep disorders early.

Effective approaches for screening for sleep apnea

By integrating these approaches, you can build a cohesive strategy that enhances your ability to identify and address sleep apnea risks with greater precision and impact.

Understand the range of risk factors associated with sleep apnea

Not all patients at risk for sleep apnea will match the typical profile for screening. While risk factors like age, family history, and obesity are well-known8; it’s equally important to recognize other factors such as women who are over the age of 509; or post-menopausal. Expanding your awareness of these diverse factors facilitates more comprehensive screening.

Incorporate sleep screenings into your routine patient visits

Simple questions like, “How have you been sleeping lately?” and “Do you feel rested and/or refreshed during the day?” can open a dialogue about a patient’s sleep quality, any issues they may be experiencing and how it impacts them.

Leverage consumer health technology as a starting point

Some consumer health technologies, including select smartwatches, have recently received FDA clearance for features that assess the risk of sleep apnea11,12. While these devices can encourage patients to discuss their sleep health with you and provide valuable initial insights, always confirm findings with comprehensive medical evaluations or validated sleep tests to ensure precise diagnosis and care.

Use validated sleep screening tools

Tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Berlin Questionnaire or STOP-BANG Questionnaire can help identify patients who may be at risk for sleep disordered breathing13 and can prompt a more in-depth conversation.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Berlin Questionnaire
STOP-BANG Questionnaire

Step 2: Order a sleep test for at-risk patients

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Additional resources and links

Discover strategies to manage the impact that recent FDA clearances for smartwatch sleep apnea risk detection could have on your practice.

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Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors associated with sleep apnea and obesity, and how to identify patients at risk for sleep apnea.

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Encourage patients to take our sleep assessment to uncover common sleep issues like Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, and Snoring.

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References:

  1. Faria et al. Sleep Science (Sao Paulo, Brazil). 2021 Jul-Sep;14(3):257-265.
  2. Marshall et al. Sleep. 2008 Aug;31(8):1079-85.
  3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). Causes of Sleep Apnea. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea/causes#:~:text=Age%3A%20Sleep%20apnea%20can%20occur,in%20your%20neck%20and%20tongue.
  4. Thompson et al. Sci Rep 12, 5127 (2022).
  5. Young T, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;167(9):1181.
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 510(k) Number, K240929.
  7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. De Novo Number, DEN230041.
  8. Kapur et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2017 Mar 15;13(3):479-504.