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Sleep apnea tests and diagnosis

“With the proper diagnosis and treatment approach, most sleep disorders are easily treated,” says Dr. Wesley E. Fleming of the Sleep Center Orange County.

Why should I get tested for

sleep apnea?

Sleep is essential to our overall well-being, so disruptive

sleep can affect personal health, family life and work.

When you don’t get optimal sleep, it can hold you back from

feeling energized, productive and healthy.

Untreated sleep apnea can also increase your risk for

developing other chronic and life-threatening conditions.

Step 1

Find a sleep specialist near you

Our free sleep quiz can help you

understand your sleep habits.

Talk to your doctor

After taking the sleep quiz, discuss your

responses and sleep issues with your

doctor.

Take a sleep test at a clinic or at home

Your doctor may refer you to a sleep

specialist and recommend you

schedule a sleep test to track your

snoring habits. It can be done in a sleep

test clinic or in the comfort of your

home.

Step 2

Understanding your sleep test options

Sleep tests can be done at home or at a certified sleep clinic. However, the test in a sleep clinic may offer a more complete

picture of how sleep apnea is affecting your body if you have other chronic conditions.

A polysomnography (PSG) test is performed at a

certified sleep clinic. Sleep clinic rooms look a lot like

your bedroom at home. Sleep specialists set you up with

small sensors that record your sleeping behavior.

At-home sleep testing devices, like the ResMed

ApneaLink™ Air, allow you to take your test at home and

return the equipment to the sleep clinic.

Step 3

Understanding your sleep test results

If you're diagnosed with sleep apnea, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

After your sleep test is complete, you and your doctor will go over your results together and discuss your

diagnosis. If you have sleep apnea, you will discuss the severity level, possible health effects and treatment

options.

Did you know that nearly 1 billion people worldwide

have sleep apnea?

Matt and Ernest share their sleep test

experiences:

Common medical terms you may see in your

sleep test results:

Apnea

This is when you stop breathing during sleep. For obstructive sleep apnea, it’s when the entire airway is blocked, preventing air from entering the lungs.

Hypopnea

A reduction in airflow by 30% or greater associated with a similar reduction in the movement of your chest and stomach, as well as a 3% (4% for Medicare guidelines) or greater fall in the blood oxygen level.