About 80% of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) live their lives without a diagnosis. This means that these individuals are experiencing excessive snoring, pausing of breath while sleeping, and other sleep apnea symptoms without treatment. One of the first steps an individual can take to receive a diagnosis for sleep apnea is to undergo a sleep test.
A sleep test, or polysomnography, is done either at home or at a sleep clinic. Easier access to sleep testing at a sleep clinic allows more individuals to receive a diagnosis for their disorder breathing or other sleeping issues. However, before scheduling a sleep study at a clinic, a person should ask themselves eight questions.
Moreover, a proper diagnosis allows an individual to receive a personalized treatment plan. Without treatment of OSA, a person’s symptoms will worsen and can lead to other health conditions.
Ask Yourself These Questions
There are some preliminary questions a person can ask themselves to determine if speaking with a doctor regarding a sleep test is necessary.
A “yes” response to at least three of the eight questions is an indication that the individuals might have sleep apnea and should consult with their doctor about sleep testing.
Additionally, answering “yes” to three of the above questions makes an individual a candidate for at-home testing. At-home testing for OSA is less involved than testing at a sleep clinic. Moreover, the individual will place the electrodes on themselves and will sleep in their bed. For those with mild sleep apnea symptoms, at-home testing is a great option.
However, those with more severe OSA symptoms will need to undergo testing at a sleep clinic. At a sleep clinic, technicians will place the electrodes and monitor the person’s vitals.
Contact Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding diagnosing sleep apnea and the various treatment options, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in sleep medicine.
We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!
A sleep test, or polysomnography, is done either at home or at a sleep clinic. Easier access to sleep testing at a sleep clinic allows more individuals to receive a diagnosis for their disorder breathing or other sleeping issues. However, before scheduling a sleep study at a clinic, a person should ask themselves eight questions.
Moreover, a proper diagnosis allows an individual to receive a personalized treatment plan. Without treatment of OSA, a person’s symptoms will worsen and can lead to other health conditions.
Ask Yourself These Questions
There are some preliminary questions a person can ask themselves to determine if speaking with a doctor regarding a sleep test is necessary.
- Is my snoring excessively loud?
- Am I extremely tired or sleepy throughout the day?
- Is my blood pressure higher than normal?
- Is my BMI over 35?
- Has someone seen my breathing pause during sleep?
- Am I over 50 years old?
- Am I male?
- Is my neck larger than 40 centimeters (15.75 inches) in circumference?
A “yes” response to at least three of the eight questions is an indication that the individuals might have sleep apnea and should consult with their doctor about sleep testing.
Additionally, answering “yes” to three of the above questions makes an individual a candidate for at-home testing. At-home testing for OSA is less involved than testing at a sleep clinic. Moreover, the individual will place the electrodes on themselves and will sleep in their bed. For those with mild sleep apnea symptoms, at-home testing is a great option.
However, those with more severe OSA symptoms will need to undergo testing at a sleep clinic. At a sleep clinic, technicians will place the electrodes and monitor the person’s vitals.
Contact Smiles of Alaska
For more information regarding diagnosing sleep apnea and the various treatment options, contact the Smiles of Alaska team. We are available through email at office@smilesofalaska.com or by phone at 907-349-6466. We are a family dentistry practice located in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in sleep medicine.
We look forward to assisting our patients in living life to the fullest!
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