How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that involves several steps. 

The process begins with a detailed assessment of your medical history, including any symptoms related to sleep apnea. 

A physical examination may be conducted to evaluate your airway and overall health. 

To confirm the diagnosis, a Home Sleep Study, (HST) or an overnight polysomnography study (PSG) in a sleep lab. 

This test measures various parameters during sleep, such as breathing patterns, oxygen levels, brain activity, and heart rate. 

The collected data is then analyzed by a sleep specialist to determine if sleep apnea is present, as well as its severity. 

A SLEEP STUDY and professional evaluation is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that involves several steps. 

The process begins with a detailed assessment of your medical history, including any symptoms related to sleep apnea. 

A physical examination may be conducted to evaluate your airway and overall health. 

To confirm the diagnosis, a Home Sleep Study, (HST) or an overnight polysomnography study (PSG) in a sleep lab. 

This test measures various parameters during sleep, such as breathing patterns, oxygen levels, brain activity, and heart rate. 

The collected data is then analyzed by a sleep specialist to determine if sleep apnea is present, as well as its severity. 

A SLEEP STUDY and professional evaluation is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

What are the risk factors for developing sleep apnea?

There are several risk factors associated with the development of sleep apnea. The primary risk factor is obesity or being overweight, as the excess fat deposits around the neck and throat can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep. Other risk factors include having a large neck circumference, being male (though sleep apnea can affect women as well), being over the age of 40, having a family history of sleep apnea, having a narrow airway or enlarged tonsils, smoking, alcohol or sedative use, and certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disorders. It’s important to note that while these factors can increase the risk, sleep apnea can occur in individuals without any known risk factors.

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or have concerns about your risk factors, it is advisable to consult with a SLEEP healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

What are the common symptoms of sleep apnea?

• Loud Snoring
• Observed cessation of breathing
• Gasping for air while sleeping
• Mood disorders
• Morning headaches
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Impaired cognitive function
• High Blood Pressure
• Stroke
• A-Fib
• Difficulty managing Diabetes
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of Libido
• Drowsy Driving

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud and chronic snoring, episodes of breathing cessation during sleep (most often observed by a bed partner), abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, dry mouth or sore throat upon waking, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and decreased libido.

These symptoms can significantly impact one’s quality of life, leading to daytime fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and mood disturbances. It’s important to note that not everyone with sleep apnea experiences all of these symptoms, and they can vary in severity.