How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed

The most difficult part of diagnosing sleep apnea is realizing that it is present in the first place. Since sleep apnea occurs during the different sleep cycles it is often difficult to realize the problem exists and is often assumed to be insomnia by the person who has sleep apnea.  However, once a spouse or family member recognizes that something is not quite normal during your sleep pattern then there are many different methods that are used to diagnose and eventually treat sleep apnea. 

The following information will help to provide you with an overview of the different methods that are used to diagnose sleep apnea.

Physical Exam and Health History

Like other medical diagnosis that is used to identify health issues, determining sleep apnea begins with a review of health history and complete physical exam. Your healthcare provider may also request a survey of your sleep habits and daytime drowsiness.  A particular focus of the physical exam involves examination of your neck and throat which is a common contributor to the development of sleep apnea.

ABG

An ABG or arterial blood gas analysis is a test that is performed to measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide that is present in your blood.  The blood is drawn from your artery as opposed to a vein before it is immediately sent to the laboratory to ensure an accurate reading on oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.  The purpose of the test is to check for respiratory diseases and other health issues that affect the lungs.

ECG

An ECG or electrocardiogram is used to determine electrical activity in your heart.  The test is performed by connecting electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs.  The electrodes are connected to a machine which provides a reading of electrical signals coming from your heart.  This type of test is performed to determine your heart rate and to determine the position of the chambers in your heart.

Thyroid

Tests on your thyroid are performed to determine how well your thyroid gland is functioning.  The test is performed on your blood to help diagnose a thyroid that is underactive or overactive and to help determine the activity of your thyroid gland.

TTE

A TTE or transthoracic echocardiogram is an ultrasound that is performed on the heart to create a moving image of the heart.  The advantage of the ultrasound is it provides a more accurate image of the heart as opposed to an x-ray.  The test is performed to enable medical professionals to see your heart activity, the manner in which it is beating, blood circulation around the heart, and a clear image of the overall function of your heart.

Polysomnogram

A polysomnogram is also referred to as a sleep study and requires you to remain overnight in a sleep center to have your sleep habits and patterns monitored.  This test helps to determine the type of sleep apnea you have so the appropriate treatment can be recommended.

The sleep study monitors your activity during two states of sleep which include the REM stage which is also known as the rapid eye movement stage and the NREM stage also known as the non-rapid eye movement stage.  The activities include but are not limited to brain waves, heart rate, muscle activity, breathing, blood oxygen, and body position.  Your body position may be monitored via the use of a video camera where other tests are performed using electrodes.

The purpose of a sleep study is to determine if there are any breathing obstructions present during the sleep process in which case you would be diagnosed as having obstructive sleep apnea. The sleep study will also help to identify any other complications such as dreams that are being acted out physically or excessive movement disorders that occur during the sleep cycle.  Patients arrive at the sleep center a few hours before it is time to go to bed and then the test is conducted throughout the night so professionals can study your sleep patterns.

All of the above named tests may be performed or just a few depending upon what your health care provider thinks is necessary to recommend treatment.  The sleep study is almost always a necessary part of diagnosis and then the other tests are recommended on a basis of factors which include your health history, current health status, and health issues from the physical exam that may raise concerns.

If normal values result from the test this means that the test results showed normal muscle activity and brain wave during the course of the test.  If the results are abnormal this is a sign that a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea is present and further treatment will be recommended.