What Does Sleep Apnea Testing Entail?

About 10% of Americans have sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that disrupts breathing while you sleep. People with sleep apnea may stop breathing for short periods throughout the night, leading to poor sleep quality and a range of health issues, but sleep apnea often goes overlooked and undiagnosed.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of serious problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The good news is that it’s highly treatable once properly diagnosed, and we can help you get the answers you need.

Ross Medical Group specializes in diagnostic testing, and we offer sleep apnea testing in Miami, Florida. Here’s how to recognize warning signs of sleep apnea and what sleep apnea testing involves.

Recognizing common symptoms of sleep apnea

It’s common to have sleep apnea without knowing it, because symptoms typically occur during sleep. However, there are several warning signs that you and anyone you share a bedroom with can watch for.

One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is loud, persistent snoring that’s often accompanied by gasping or choking sounds during the night. You may also notice frequent awakenings or the sensation of shortness of breath while trying to sleep.

In the morning, you might experience headaches, dry mouth, or a feeling of unrefreshing sleep. Daytime symptoms can also include excessive fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, and mood changes.

What to expect from your sleep apnea test

If you think you have sleep apnea, a sleep study can confirm your diagnosis. The most common types of sleep apnea testing include an in-lab polysomnography study or a home sleep apnea test, depending on your symptoms and overall health.

An in-lab sleep study takes place overnight at a sleep center. You’ll stay in a private, comfortable room where technicians will monitor your sleep using sensors placed on your body. The sensors will record your brain activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and body movements while you sleep.

A home sleep apnea test is a more convenient option for some patients. It involves wearing a small device at home while you sleep, and it typically measures airflow, breathing effort, and oxygen saturation. Though not as comprehensive as an in-lab study, home sleep tests can be quite effective at diagnosing moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Once your test is complete, the sleep center sends the data to our team, and we analyze your results to determine if you have sleep apnea and its severity. Then, we discuss your results with you and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Common treatment options for sleep apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of your condition and your personal health profile. One of the most common and most effective treatments is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. A CPAP machine delivers steady air pressure through a mask while you sleep to keep your airway open.

Other options can include lifestyle changes like weight loss, positional therapy to avoid sleeping on your back, or dental devices that adjust the position of your jaw and tongue. In more severe cases, surgical procedures may be an option, particularly if other treatments are not effective enough.

At Ross Medical Group, we can help you get the diagnostic testing and the treatment you need to start getting more restful, restorative sleep. If you’re concerned about your sleep or you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait — contact us today to schedule a consultation.