Sleep Apnea Tests

There are a host of tests available for the person who suffers from sleep apnea.  However, more than likely the test that will be administered on the advice of your physician is the Polysomnogram.

The sleep apnea tests measures several components with respect to trouble falling asleep.

The findings become the data, reviewed by a qualified health care practitioner.  The data will allow your physician to assess if you truly have the sleep disorder.

There are four types of tests that may be administered using the Polysomnogram:

1. Split night PSG with CPAP titration:  The split night PSG is performed when mid-range to severe sleep apnea is suspected or has been discovered.  The moderate or severe type apnea must have been found during the initial portion of the study.  The second part of the night is used for CPAP Titration.
2. Two nights of PSG with CPAP Titration involves monitoring as well as a diagnostic assessment. The monitoring and diagnostics are performed on the first night of the study.  If it is discovered the participant has sleep apnea, the patient must return on the succeeding night so the health care practitioner may assess the amount of CPAP pressure necessary to provide the patient relief from his or her sleep apnea.
3. A diagnostic Overnight PSG basically involves general monitoring and assessment.
4. Diagnostic daytime multiple sleep latency test or MSLT refers to a test used to properly diagnose Narcolepsy; and provide measurement with respect to the sufferer's daytime sleepiness.

Prior to your test, the sleep center gives you directions with respect to:

• What you can eat
• Information with respect to medicines
• Other issues that may have an effect on the results of the study

The idea here is that you follow what the sleep practitioners advise in order that there is nothing that will interfere with your good night's sleep or the findings.  For example, the center may advise you to abstain from drinking any alcohol or beverages that contain caffeine.

It is recommended you take with you a small overnight bag inclusive of your most comfortable pajamas, a toothbrush and other toiletries you would normally require in the morning.

Also, a word of advice:  Many sleep disorder patients will bring along their own pillow so they can achieve a better night's sleep as some may have trouble falling asleep without.

There is a private bath (usually) provided at most sleep centers so you'll have a chance to take a shower, dress and then go directly to your job, if required.

The bedroom where the center will house you looks similar to:

• A hotel bedroom
• Hospital room
• Residential-style bedroom

You slip into your pajamas and then the technician will hook you up to the electrodes which allow the sleep personnel to monitor your functions during sleep.  All in all, the PSG is a fairly painless process and very important in helping to diagnosing severe sleep apnea.

Further, if sleep apnea is discovered, CPAP Titration is then required.  Generally a full night of CPAP Titration is needed during a second night or sometimes the CPAP Titration is conducted during the remaining few hours of a split night sleep study.

The patient is fitted with a mask connected by way of a tube to a machine that allows air to be sent to the patient's nasal passages and airways.  The person is monitored to determine the correct amount of air pressure to apply.

The idea is to determine what is the correct pressure in order to stop the person's snoring or stop the effects of his or her apnea.  The CPAP machine is one of the best known ways to reduce or eliminate a sufferer's sleep apnea and is the preferred choice or remedy of most physicians.

In taking care to address your apnea now, you may reduce the risk of a good number of health maladies connected with the apnea including the possibility of sleep apnea death.

If your physician recommends you take part in a sleep apnea test you'll want to take his or her recommendation seriously.  By discovering the cause of sleep apnea you can greatly improve your overall health and the sleep test is well worth the sacrifice of one or two nights away from home.