The possibility of a medical issue is the initial obstacle for many patients seeking treatment for sleep apnea. However, many are confused with the decision of where to begin or whether medical professionals consider serious concerns. Knowing about the screening, assessment and referral procedure assists many patients in navigating their medical diagnosis and ensures they receive the support they need to take care of their condition effectively.
Examining the medical history of a patient and the physical exam
A doctor can begin by discussing symptoms, concerns about family history, as well as an examination of the mouth neck, and throat. This provides an opportunity for patients to voice their concerns and to learn more about referral procedures for sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, and sleep studies. We strongly recommend that you create an extensive sleep diary prior to the initial appointment. It should include the symptoms, the quality of sleep and snoring episodes shared by your partner to ensure that the doctor has a complete picture to use.
The preparation to take your sleep apnea test
In an appointment, questions will typically focus on sleep patterns for example, the length of time a patient is asleep as well as how their body feels throughout the day. These questions will help clarify the person’s routine and overall health. They will also determine whether a possible sleep issue causes unpleasant symptoms or problems. At this point it is possible that lifestyle, medications or any other health problems could be considered along with the history of sleep issues within close relatives, such as sleep apnea with obstruction.
Sleep apnea-related questions commonly are asked by doctors:
- How do you feel exhausted throughout the day?
- Do you have naps? If so How many? And for how time?
- Do you have the ability to remain awake when driving or watching TV?
- Have you ever smoked?
- Do you know of anyone in your family that suffers from sleep apnea?
- Have you ever been told by anyone that you sleep snore?
Scoring Apnea on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is an extensively used assessment tool for patients suffering from suspected OSA, also known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as well as other sleep disorders (OSA). This set of questions is evaluated based on the probability of a person falling asleep during certain daily activities, which can be used to show medical professionals the extent of a patient’s nighttime sleepiness. The final score is used to determine whether a patient may be suffering from any sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Make sure you have Epworth Results on the Sleepiness Scale:
A score of 16-24 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale may warrant more investigations in a sleep clinic in order to eliminate any possible medical issues, like sleep apnea or apnea.
Evaluation of Sleep Apnea by specialized sleep studies
After a patient has completed the first stages in a sleep apnea examination A doctor can send them to a specialist in sleep to undergo more extensive screenings for sleep disorders. Sleep studies are the one the most precise methods to detect sleep apnea. There are two kinds of sleep studies, one in which you are able to sleep an entire day in a laboratory and one in which you are able to seep into your bed wearing sleep monitoring equipment like an CPAP machine. The latter is what we test in The Sleep Cycle Center, since our patients feel more at ease resting in their own homes.
Understanding the results of a polysomnography
A sleep test is a way to determine the frequency of breathing according to the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) and will record any abnormalities over the course of one hour. The test is divided into two categories: the apnea condition occurs when a patient ceases breathing for at least 10 seconds; and hypopnea which is the frequency at which breathing is blocked partially. The activity of the brain and general movements during sleep are also monitored throughout the evaluation process.
What is an Apnea-Hypopnea index (AHI) results apnea cases
The assessment of an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is used along with medical records of the patient and includes a review of the family history of the patient and any prior health problems or signs. A Apnea diagnosis can be confirmed using a three-tier scoring system which has higher scores indicating of more severe cases of apnea like apnea obstruction.
These is the scoring system of The Apnea-Hypopnea index (AHI):
- Mild sleep apnea (AHI 5-15
- Moderate sleep apnea (AHI 15-30).
- Sleep apnea that is severe AHI of more than 30
Apnea tests from the convenience of your home
A sleep test at home that is only used once can be a precise and easy method to test for sleep apnea and avoid hospitalization. A lot of people opt for this test method, as it is not in a secluded space such as a sleep laboratory. Most of our documented diagnoses are based on tests at home that encourages patients with no diagnosis to seek treatment for symptoms of apnea using modern techniques for testing that are more attainable including apnea testing.
Understanding the Results of a Home Sleep Test
A wearable device (similar like a watch for sports) is affixed to the wrist of a patient, and transmits information to our sleep specialists to be analyzed. Heart rate, oximetry and actigraphy and body posture as well as snoring as well as chest movement are logged over a particular time frame to provide a thorough picture of a person’s regular sleeping patterns, and identifying signs and symptoms associated with sleep apnea.
Similar to a test for sleep in a laboratory an at-home test instrument can be used to detect changes in bodily functions likely to be indicative of sleep apnea
- Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI)
- Central Apnea Hypopnea Index (CAHI)
- Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI)
- Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI)
- Wake/Sleep
- Stages of REM/Deep/Light sleep
- The chest and body position
- Snoring
- Heart Rate
- Pulse Oximetry
- Actigraphy
Innovative cloud-based testing of apnea
The Sleep Cycle Center The Sleep Cycle Center, we’ve invested in modern technology and medical advice to provide accurate and high-quality Apnea screening for patients. Working together with Watchpat One, an innovative home sleep Apnea Equipment (HSAT) that allows us to look over AHI, AHIc, RDI and ODI Based on the true sleep Time and sleep staging. This device is seamlessly connected to a cloud-based platform, which allows our sleep specialists to analyze the results of the test while a patient lies peacefully in their bedroom.