If your doctor suspects you could be suffering from sleep apnea, one of the first things that may be prescribed is a sleep apnea test. It is natural to feel nervous about any medical examination, and the sleep apnea test is no exception. However, there is nothing to worry about. This short guide will go over everything to expect at this examination.
Many people wonder why a sleep apnea test is even necessary.
Surprisingly, sleep apnea is a difficult condition to diagnose. Sleep apnea is when an individual stops breathing in their sleep. How can there be any confusion about that?
However, because it occurs exclusively while asleep, the most obvious symptoms are often missed entirely. Those suffering from sleep apnea usually wake up when they stop breathing, but these awakening are often not remembered, even if they happen as many as 30 times over any one night. If someone sleeps with another person in the room, that individual may notice some of the symptoms, such as periods of silence between snores, excessive sweat or gasping or choking.
If there is any doubt, taking a sleep apnea test is a recommended way to tell if an individual is suffering from the condition. Medical professionals may request such a test if there are other symptoms indicating a patient has this condition.
So what does the examination actually entail?
The standard sleep apnea test takes place in a sleep lab. Sleep labs have accommodations for patients to sleep comfortably. Before the test begins, sensors will be attached to the patient's body using adhesive. Sensors will be placed on the:
Additionally, bands may be placed around the chest and stomach to measure the patient's breathing while sleeping.
All of these sensors are designed to collect information about the heart, lungs, muscles and brain. Essentially, the patient will be asked to sleep as they normally would, and their sleep patterns and breathing will be observed. Naturally, many people worry about not being able to sleep in an unfamiliar and intimidating environment. Sleep labs take measures to help the patients get to sleep quickly and sleep as comfortably as possible. Most people report not having any trouble getting to sleep, so there is nothing to worry about.
Sometimes it may be possible to take a sleep apnea test at home. This can be more comfortable and convenient, but it is also more expensive. If a patient has good health insurance coverage, it may be a more feasible option. Additionally, sometimes complications may make it necessary to take the test at home.
It is easy to write sleep apnea off as a minor condition, but the medical world considers it quite serious. If you start to notice sleep apnea symptoms, your doctor may recommend a test to determine further treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and maintaining it can significantly impact your confidence and overall well-being. When it comes to improving or restoring dental health, two popular options often come into consideration: veneers vs dentures. But which is right for you?At St. George Dental Care, we believe in empowering our patients…
A damaged or decayed tooth can impact your smile, confidence, and oral health. Fortunately, dental advancements such as permanent crowns provide practical solutions to restore both function and appearance. For residents in St. George, Utah, St. George Dental Care offers professional and dependable care for all your crown needs. This blog will cover everything you…
When it comes to oral health, wisdom teeth regularly make their way into conversations about the problems they often create. But one question that's frequently asked and not as widely discussed is this: can wisdom teeth cause a sore throat? The short answer is yes, they can—but it's not a common symptom. At St. George…
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today, offering a simple solution to transform your smile. Whether you're tackling discolored, chipped, or uneven teeth, this treatment provides a pathway to achieving a stunning, confident smile. At St. George Dental Care, our experienced team has helped countless patients achieve their dream smiles…
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and maintaining it can significantly impact…
A damaged or decayed tooth can impact your smile, confidence, and oral health. Fortunately, dental…
When it comes to oral health, wisdom teeth regularly make their way into conversations about…
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today, offering a simple…
A bright, confident smile can leave a lasting impression—but stained or discolored teeth can often…
Maintaining oral health goes beyond regular brushing and flossing. Certain dental procedures are key to…