Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects many people every night. Thankfully, there are plenty of dental and sleep specialists who can address and diagnose the condition in order for the correct type of treatment to be administered. These specialists undergo extensive training so they can provide the best care to patients suffering from a sleep disorder.
Diagnosing sleep apnea can be done in a variety of ways. It is important to be aware of how the diagnosing process works so patients know what to expect. In this article, we outline how sleep apnea is diagnosed.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, then you may find this information helpful.
Evaluations
During an initial sleep apnea evaluation, the sleep specialist will likely perform a few tests to help determine the final diagnosis. Most sleep apnea evaluations involve an overnight study, which includes 24/7 monitoring while the patient is sleeping. The doctor will take special note of breathing patterns, as well as other body functions.
Most of the time, these evaluations take place at a sleep center that is staffed with trained doctors. However, sometimes the evaluation can also be done at home in order to better accommodate the patient.
Nocturnal polysomnography
Patients who undergo a nocturnal polysomnography test should expect to be heavily monitored during their sleep. They will be hooked up to a machine that monitors the heart, lungs and brain. The arm and leg movements, as well as blood oxygen, will also be monitored to see what activity takes place. Anything abnormal will be noted for the final diagnosis. When someone suffers from intense sleep apnea, it is likely that the dental or sleep specialist will require this test.
Home sleep testing
While most sleep specialists recommend that patients do a sleep study at a center, there are times when sleep apnea can be diagnosed at home. Just like the nocturnal polysomnography test, the at-home test will also monitor blood oxygen, heart rate and breathing patterns. However, the at-home one will not be as involved as having equipment hooked up to a machine.
Home sleep testing is also referred to as portable testing, and it is rarely recommended for sleep apnea. Sleep specialists prefer to have as accurate results as possible, which can typically only be achieved at a sleep center.
Contact us today
Do you want to get started with a sleep apnea test? Sleep apnea is a sleeping condition that should never go ignored or untreated. Let one of our specialists evaluate you! If you would like to get started, then reach out to our office so we can take care of you. We will be able to answer any questions you may have about sleep apnea, sleep disorder tests and sleep disorder treatments. Do give us a call or stop by today because we are here to help you in any way that we can!
