Dr Christian takes part in sleep apnea tests along with two other patients. Both patients are very noisy when they snore and suspect that they stop breathing during their sleep.
Hello,
From the symptoms I suspect that I’ve sleep apnea.I want to confirm it. What are the possible available to test if I really have sleep apnea?
I live alone,so no one to monitor for me. Is there any instrument available which I can use to monitor my breathing and check if I’ve sleep apnea or not?
If available any brand suggestion?
A sleep apnea test is normally done in a sleep lab. However, just as with everything else, technology is making this aspect of testing for sleep apnea easier. The home testing market is growing for those who suspect they may have sleep apnea. In 2007 the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) rethought their policy and now they approve the use of home tests for those who are eligible. Along with the AASM, insurance plans such as Medicare and Medicaid are also approving payment for the tests.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleeping disorder caused by inadequate airflow during sleep, resulting in frequent pauses in breathing throughout the night, lasting from 10 seconds up to 120 seconds at a time. The breaks in breathing are caused by the airway being partially or fully blocked by fatty tissue in the neck or throat or by the uvula (the small tissue hanging at the back of the throat). These pauses cause oxygen levels to drop and the disorder has been linked to heart diseases; stroke; high blood pressure and obesity leading to Type 2 Diabetes.
OSA can be the underlying cause behind traffic accidents as those who are suffering with the disorder become over tired through lack of restful night time sleep and susceptible to memory lapses, lack in concentration and general exhaustion over time. Even more worrying, most sufferers of sleep apnea are not diagnosed as they have no idea they are affected by it.
