Sleep apnea tests and diagnosis
“With the proper diagnosis and treatment approach, most sleep disorders are easily treated.”
says Dr. Wesley E. Fleming of the Sleep Center Orange County.
Why should I get tested for sleep apnea?
Sleep is essential to our overall well-being, so disruptive sleep can affect personal health, family life and work.
When you don’t get optimal sleep, it can hold you back from feeling energized, productive and healthy.
Untreated sleep apnea can also increase your risk for developing other chronic and life-threatening conditions1.
Step 2
Understanding your sleep test options
Sleep tests can be done at home or at a certified sleep clinic. However, the test in a sleep clinic may offer a more complete picture of how sleep apnea is affecting your body if you have other chronic conditions.
A polysomnography (PSG) test is performed at a certified sleep clinic. Sleep clinic rooms look a lot like your bedroom at home. Sleep specialists set you up with small sensors that record your sleeping behavior.
At-home sleep testing devices, like the Resmed ApneaLink™ Air, allow you to take your test at home and return the equipment to the sleep clinic.
Step 3
Understanding your sleep test results
If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
After your sleep test is complete, you and your doctor will go over your results together and discuss your diagnosis. If you have sleep apnea, you will discuss the severity level, possible health effects and treatment options.
Matt and Ernest share their sleep test experiences:
Inside a sleep lab for sleep apnea diagnosis
How to get diagnosed and start sleep apnea treatment
Common medical terms you may see in your sleep test results:
This is when you stop breathing during sleep. For obstructive sleep apnea, it’s when the entire airway is blocked, preventing air from entering the lungs.
A reduction in airflow by 30% or greater associated with a similar reduction in the movement of your chest and stomach, as well as a 3% (4% for Medicare guidelines) or greater fall in the blood oxygen level1.
The severity of sleep apnea can be measured by the average number of times per hour someone had an apnea or hypopnea while they slept.
Measures the number of times per hour that the level of oxygen in the blood drops below a normal level.
This is the average number of respiratory disturbances – including apneas, hypopneas and other respiratory events – per hour of sleep.
Will treatment help?
Treating your sleep apnea will help you sleep better and help improve your energy level and overall health3,4. Before you know it, you’ll get back to feeling your best every day!
Brooke shares her inspiring perspective on how sleep apnea treatment has changed her life and why it’s important to take charge of your health.
References
- Source: Dincer HE, O’Neill W. Deleterious effects of sleep-disordered breathing on the heart and vascular system. Respiration. 2006;73(1):124-30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16293956/.
- Source: Benjafield AV et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: A literature-based analysis. Vol 7:8; 687-98. Lancet Respir Med 2019
- Source: Lianne M et al., “Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Fatigue and Sleepiness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial.” Sleep. 2011 January 1; 34(1): 121–126. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3001790/
- Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). “CPAP – Benefits.” Sleep Education. 2018. https://www.sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/cpap/benefits (accessed July 19, 2018).