Sleep Apnea Test

Welcome to the Sleep Apnea Test information page. If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea or associated sleep disorder, a sleep apnea test will provide confirmation. You can then begin to plan your treatment.

With all the jargon and medical terminology being tossed around, it can be difficult for someone who isn’t a medically trained professional or a sleep specialist to understand what sleep apnea is. So, what is sleep apnea? It is a potentially life-threatening condition that is generally more prevalent amongst men than women, and is far more common but not as easily understood. It was first recognized and described in separate papers in 1965 by French and German researchers. It had long been a recognized trait, as a disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. Commonly referred to and known today as obstructive sleep apnea, it owes its name to the Greek word, apnea, of which the literal translation is “want of breath.” It can be readily diagnosed by a sleep apnea test. While one is working towards getting those tests done, it may also be beneficial to get other sleep disorders tested, preferably at a sleep centre.

There are two main types of sleep apnea as recognized by the American Sleep Apnea Association – Obstructive and central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is less common, and occurs when the brain, for whatever reason (and this is yet to be understood) fails to send appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to start or recommence respiration. Obstructive sleep apnea is by far the more common trait and will typically occur when the air is unable to int oand out of sufferers nose or mouth although they continue to try and breathe, usually indicated and characterized by choking or gasping noises. This can be caused by a number of reasons ranging from excess tissue to an underlying heat and lung condition.

Recognising the sleep apnea condition early, and the correct treatment of sleep apnea is extremely important for a good prognosis for the sufferer. Sleep apnea is associated with an irregular heartbeat, raised blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke and early sleep apnea test is important as soon as the condition is suspected. While it is difficult to self-diagnose sleep apnea, a number of sleep studies indicate that loud snoring and daytime drowsiness are the most reported symptoms; a fact conformed by several university sleep studies.

Portable cardio respiratory testing is something that your doctor can instigate. He or she may provide you with some simple and basic tests that can be carried out in your home to assist you in diagnosing sleep apnea. These tests will generally involve the measurement of airflow and measurement of breathing patterns, and are known as oximetry.

Another sleep apnea test that can be carried out is known as Oximetry. This screening method uses a small machine to monitors and record oxygen levels in the blood while the patient sleeps. This also can be carried out at home also, although Oximetry doesn't detect all cases of sleep apnea

To make a more thorough diagnosis, a sleep apnea test can be carried out, usually with overnight observation. A test known as “Nocturnal polysomnography” is carried out by hooking the suspected sufferer to equipment that monitors brain, heart and lung activity, along with breathing patterns body movements and blood oxygen levels when sleeping.

Whichever method used, early diagnosis and treatment of this potentially life threatening condition is vitally important, so make an appointment with your doctor or medical professional, and give yourself piece of mind with a sleep apnea test.

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