Among the several sleep problems that affect people, sleep apnea is a prevalent one. In this condition, patients fail to rest well at night because of obstruction in the airway. As a result, they always feel exhausted and tired. Thus, it is vital to diagnose whether someone is suffering from sleep apnea as soon as possible. Here is a list of different types of sleep tests people can undertake for this purpose. Let’s have a look!
Different types of sleep apnea tests
If there is a suspicion of sleep apnea, here are a few tests that can help determine the results:
Polysomnography tests:
One of the most accurate tests for identifying sleep apnea is the polysomnography test (PSG). It records the patient’s brain waves, respiration rate, leg and hand movement, heart rate, and eye movement for deriving conclusive results. For monitoring these details during the PSG exam, several sensors are attached or strapped to the body. Moreover, the Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which measures the number of times the breathing stopped and resumed, is also recorded during PSG.
CPAP titration study:
Using the CPAP machine is strongly recommended for patients with sleep apnea. It delivers a stream of air pressure via a mask to keep the airway open. The CPAP titration study is conducted to determine how much pressure should be provided to a sleep apnea patient. During this test, the brain waves, oxygen levels, and leg movements are monitored using sensors. Then, a mask is attached to the patient’s face, and the pressure is increased gradually to determine the results.
Split night study:
The split night study combines the CPAP titration study and polysomnography test. During this exam, the first half of the night is devoted to conducting the PSG test, while the latter is used to determine the ideal air pressure for providing treatment. The split night study is typically performed for people with severe sleep apnea when the diagnosis is unmistakable.
Home sleep test:
The home sleep test shows how technology has recorded a significant advance when it comes to sleep medicines. While earlier people had to physically go to a sleep lab to determine whether they have sleep apnea, the identification test can now be conducted from the comfort of the home. Individuals who opt to undergo this test are either asked to pick their test kit or are mailed one. Along with the device, they are given specific instructions on how to conduct the home sleep test. During the exam, the kit collects the breathing rate, blood oxygen levels, and other biometric information to conclude whether the patient has sleep apnea.
Watchpat testing:
An innovative home sleep test, Watchpat deserves special mention as it is designed to record seven different sleep parameters with only three contact points. These include a chest wire, wristband, and finger probe. The test has an intuitive design and can be easily used.
Undiagnosed sleep apnea can lead to several health complications. For this reason, it is necessary to identify this condition in the earlier phase. While earlier, PSG was the only test for diagnosing whether someone has OSA, at present, several options are available.
