Sleep Apnea Testing
Do you ever find yourself feeling tired after you’ve just woken up? Or maybe with a headache, or even dried up mouth at times?
Additionally, if you snore at night, or you have been experiencing problematic breathing during sleep, so much so that you end up awake – There are high chances that you might be suffering from Sleep Apnea.
Worry no more – Manhattan Medical Arts can cure your sleepless nights!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is one of the many sleeping disorders affecting anyone, regardless of their age or gender, and can lead to
serious health problems if left untreated, such as high blood pressure and heart problems. Untreated sleep apnea also causes a breathing problem, where your breathing pauses repeatedly while you are asleep, which then leads you to snore loudly, and also makes you feel tired during the day, even if you’ve had a full night’s sleep.
Listed below are the three main types of sleep apnea:
Central
Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea refrains your brain from sending signals to your muscles that are responsible for controlling breathing.
Obstructive
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea blocks your upper airway by soft palate, throat, or tongue tissues.
Complex Sleep
Apnea Syndrome
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome is a more concerning condition since it occurs when a person is suffering from both Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.
How Does Sleep Apnea Testing Gets Done?
Sleep apnea testing is carried out using a process called polysomnography. Commonly referred to as
a sleep study, it is a combination of several tests that are conducted with the objective of diagnosing sleep disorders.
Polysomnography serves you by measuring the brain wave activity, the level of oxygen in your blood, heart, and your breathing rate, along with observing the movement of your eyes and muscles while the study is being conducted.
Symptoms & Health Threats of Sleep Apnea
One can easily identify the need to get themselves tested for sleep apnea if they are suffering from the symptoms it brings with it. The most commonly experienced symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea are:
- Loud, irregular snoring, snorts, or other unusual breathing sounds while asleep
- Long, abrupt pauses in breathing
- Waking up with an unusually dry mouth
- Waking up to headaches
- Being excessively tired and sleepy in the daytime
- Irritability
- Changes in alertness and lack of focus
- Obesity
While this sleeping disorder is curable through proper and timely treatment, if left untreated, Sleep Apnea can become a cause for serious health problems, such as:
- An increased risk of heart disease
- High blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Higher risk of having insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes
- A higher risk of automobile and workplace accidents
- Uncontrollable weight gain
- Deterioration of memory, alertness, and coordination
How to Prepare for Sleep Apnea Test?
There are a couple of instructions that need to be followed when preparing for Sleep Apnea Testing – regardless
of where the test will be conducted, be it at a hospital, clinic, or even at home.
Listed below are a few preparatory instructions that need to be strictly followed:
- Consumption of caffeine and alcohol are prohibited 24hrs prior to the test.
- It is advised to avoid napping during the day before coming in for the test.
- In order to avoid any hindrance in the working of electrodes, use of lotions, hair gels, or makeup is also prohibited.
- For people who habitually consume sleep medications,
need to consult their doctor if they should or shouldn’t take them before the test.
Sleep Apnea Test Results
Listed below are all the measurements that your Sleep Apnea Test results may include:
Apnea Hypopnea
Index (AHI)
Sleep Efficiency
Oxygen Desaturation
Index (ODI)
Heart Rate
Based on the results of the conducted sleep test, our healthcare specialists will prescribe the appropriate treatment plan,
along with the required medications.
Sleep Apnea Testing at
Manhattan Medical Arts
With the objective of providing ease, comfort, and high quality health care services, our experts at
Manhattan Medical Arts ensure to offer wholesome medical facilities, along with state-of-the-art technology and testing services. For anyone who’s suffering from sleep disorders and wants to seek treatment, our doctors may
recommend you undergo the tests listed below:
- An Electroencephalogram to record brain activity
- Electromyogram to record muscle activity
- An Electro-oculogram to record eye movements
- Electrocardiogram to determine heart rate
- Nasal airflow sensor to document airflow
- Snore microphone to observe snoring
If you or anyone in your family is suffering from sleep apnea and is willing to opt for effective treatment plans to fight
against sleeplessness—feel free to schedule a consultation with our board-certified physicians, and get the help you need.
Visit us at our leading medical facility, Manhattan Medical Arts, or give us a call at 645-454-9000.
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