How to Diagnose for Sleep Apnea
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleeping condition in which a person repeatedly starts and stops breathing while asleep at night. This prevents a person’s body from getting the proper amount of oxygen they need. Breathing interruptions can occur between 5-100+ times per hour and each episode can last 10-20 seconds. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder and contributes negatively to a person’s overall health and quality of life.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Health?
Sleep apnea can contribute to a number of other illnesses and conditions, including:
- An increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stoke
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Snoring
- Depression or other mental illnesses
- Weight gain
Tests for Sleep Apnea
Polysomnography
At-Home Sleep Apnea Test
- Schedule a 10-minute telehealth visit with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms, upcoming sleep study, test results, and treatment options.
- A multi-night, disposable home sleep apnea test is mailed to your home to be completed at your convenience.
- A physician analyzes the sleep data and provides a prescription if needed.
- Schedule an optional follow-up appointment (additional fee applies).
- We connect you to sleep experts who can offer customized sleep therapy options, assistance in equipment purchase, and initial set-up.
Other Tests That Can Help Diagnose Sleep Apnea
EEG (electroencephalogram) test is used to record and assess the activity of brain waves.
EMG (electromyogram) test is used to track the activities of muscles such as teeth grinding, face twitches, REM stage, etc.
EOG (electrooculogram) test is used to analyze eye movements, which are important for the determination of various kinds of sleep stages, especially the REM cycle.
EKG (electrocardiogram) test is used to track heart rate as well as rhythm. Additionally, nasal airflow sensors can analyze airflow.
A snore microphone is used to analyze the activity of snoring.
What are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Know the telltale signs of sleep apnea. They will inform your self-evaluation:
- Gasping for air in the middle of the night
- Morning headaches
- Constant dry mouth in the mornings
- Drowsiness during the day even after a full night’s sleep
- Poor concentration and memory loss
- Irritability and moodiness
- Loud snoring
While some warning signs like snoring may not necessarily be sleep apnea, several of the symptoms experienced frequently is usually a good indicator of the sleep disorder.
What are Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
There are some natural approaches to helping reduce the frequency of sleep apnea. You can try a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep. Dry air can irritate the respiratory system. Using a humidifier can open your airways, decrease congestion, and encourage clearer breathing.
You can also try an oral appliance. Oral appliances can help with sleep apnea by repositioning your jaw or tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep.
What are the Suggested Treatments for Sleep Apnea?
By far the most recommended treatment for most cases of sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. Once you receive your diagnosis of sleep apnea your doctor will prescribe a CPAP machine. These machines use pressurized air passed through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.
While CPAP takes some getting used to, it is one of the most effective ways to manage sleep apnea. Patients using CPAP therapy enjoy more restful sleep, reduced symptoms, and a better life while awake.
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