Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

It’s estimated that as many as 20% of Americans have sleep apnea, but many may not know they have it. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can affect your overall health.

The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated in many ways. But first, it’s important to talk to a provider and get tested, if needed. Read on to learn more about how sleep apnea is diagnosed.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Diagnosing sleep apnea begins with a visit to your health care provider or a Banner Health sleep specialist.

Your provider will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle habits and medical history. They will want to know if you have a family history of sleep apnea or other conditions that may increase your risk, such as obesity, high blood pressure or heart disease. They may also perform a physical exam to check for signs of sleep apnea, like large tonsils.

To help your provider gather all the information needed to make a diagnosis, they may ask you the following questions: 

• Do you snore loudly while you sleep?
• Do you feel tired or sleepy during the day, even after sleeping all night?
• Has anyone ever noticed that you stop breathing or gasp for air during sleep?
• Do you have trouble staying asleep or wake up a lot during the night?
• Do you wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat?
• Do you experience frequent headaches, especially in the morning?
• Do you smoke or drink alcohol?
• Do you have a family history of sleep apnea?

If your provider suspects sleep apnea, they will likely recommend a sleep study. This test tracks how you breathe while you sleep. It can be performed at home or in a lab. 

Types of sleep apnea tests

Overnight sleep study (polysomnogram)

A polysomnogram is performed at a sleep center or hospital. You stay overnight in a private room that resembles a hotel room. 

A technician places small sticky patches called sensors on your head, chest and legs. These sensors are connected to a computer and track your brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, breathing and other bodily functions while you sleep. 

If your provider thinks you may have sleep apnea, they may also recommend a trial of a positive air pressure (PAP) device. This device includes a tight-sealing nosepiece or face mask. The nosepiece or mask is connected by a hose to a small machine beside your bed. The machine pumps air through the hose and mask to open your airway. 

A technician monitors you while you sleep in another room.

For pediatric patients, some centers offer child-friendly rooms that accommodate an overnight stay with a caregiver. Learn more about Banner Health’s pediatric sleep study program.

Home sleep apnea test (HAST)

A HAST is done at home. It takes fewer measurements than an in-lab sleep study. You’ll wear a finger sensor and a belt around your chest to track your breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels. Afterward, you’ll return the equipment to your provider so they can review the data.

Although many prefer to have a home sleep study, not everyone is eligible for a HAST. If you have a movement disorder, underlying heart or lung disease or if you have had a stroke, you may require an in lab study.

What happens during a sleep study?

If you’re doing an overnight sleep study, here’s what to expect:

• Arrival: You’ll arrive at the sleep center or hospital at night. You’ll be given your own quiet and comfortable room and bathroom. You can bring items you use for bedtime, like a pillow and pajamas.
• Set-up: A technician will place small sensors on your head, chest and legs. The room will have a low-light video camera and audio system so the technician can see and hear what’s happening. If you need help, you can talk to them.
• Monitoring: You’ll go to bed as usual. The staff will watch your readings from another room to ensure everything works properly.

The following day, you can return to your everyday activities. The study results will be sent to your health care provider or sleep specialist to review the data. 

If you’re doing a home sleep apnea test, the process is simpler:

• Equipment pick-up: You may be required to pick up the home testing device at the sleep center or clinic. The clinic will give you instructions on when and where to pick it up.   
• Set-up: Your health care provider will show you how to set up the equipment. Ask questions if you are not sure how to use it.
• Monitoring: You will wear the device for one or more nights while you sleep. Follow your regular sleep routine. Your provider may ask you to keep a sleep diary or log. After the test, you will be instructed on how to return the equipment to the lab or your provider so they can review the data.

Banner Health offers a variety of sleep study options. Learn more about sleep studies and what to expect. 

What will the study results determine?

The data from the at-home or in-lab studies will include information about your sleep, such as:

• Whether you snore
• How long you spend in each sleep cycle
• How often you wake up
• Whether you stop breathing or have trouble breathing
• Your body position and limb movements

Your health care provider will review the results at a follow-up appointment. Based on the data gathered, they will discuss treatment options or any further testing that may be needed.

Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems. These may include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even accidents from daytime sleepiness. By diagnosing and treating sleep apnea as early as possible, you can avoid these complications and improve your overall health.

Learn more about treatment options for sleep apnea.

Ready to get tested? 

Schedule a consultation today with Banner Health to discuss your symptoms and explore testing options.