There are many stakeholders in the continuum of sleep apnea care. However, it usually starts with recognition of one’s symptoms, risk factors and discussion with one’s primary provider.

They can order a home sleep test or an in-lab sleep study and can either supervise your treatment or refer to a sleep specialist.

How Does it Work?

  1. To diagnose sleep apnea, a sleep study is ordered by a physician.
  2. The treatment varies, depending on the type and severity of sleep apnea and patient comfort. It is also ordered by a physician but may be implemented by different caregivers.

Home Sleep Test

When considering undergoing diagnostic test, we tend to prefer which is more affordable and more convenient. In cases of sleep apnea, Home Sleep Test (HST) is budget-friendly and more favorable compared to those tests done in the clinic or hospital setting.

Home Sleep Test is a sleep study that is done at the comforts of your home. Usually, you will be asked to come to the doctor’s clinic during the day of the test to pick up and demonstrate how to use HST equipment. You will do the test yourself and the results will then be uploaded the following day in the clinic. The choice of the test depends on your symptoms and other medical or sleep conditions. Further evaluation will be done by your sleep specialist.

In-Lab Sleep Study Or Polysomnography

Your doctor may have suggested undergoing In-Lab Sleep Study or Polysomnography (PSG). This is used to diagnose sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy among others. These disorders cannot be readily identified during your first consultation with your sleep specialist thus require additional tests to confirm them.

PSG is an overnight exam that is usually done in the sleep center. This test monitors your brain waves, breathing patterns, and heart rhythms during your sleep. Your body movements and eye movements are also recorded. The data gathered through this test will help your sleep specialist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of your condition.

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