Did you know that up to 90% of people suffering from obstructive breath disorder don’t have a formal diagnosis? You may find that resources such as oral appliance therapy can be a great incentive to finally visit someone. But first, you need to know how sleep apnea is diagnosed.
How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed
Are you tired all the time? Are you always running out of energy? Have you ever been told by a roommate or family member that you snore during the night? Do you notice other health issues such as weight gain or depression? Obstructive sleep apnea may be to blame.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Signs and symptoms that indicate sleep apnea can include:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Large neck circumference
- Broken dental work or flat, worn teeth
- Reduced libido
- Sore throat
- Snoring
Who to See for a Sleep Apnea Consultation
To be able to get treatment for sleep apnea you will need to have it diagnosed by a qualified healthcare provider. Traditional sleep medicine is usually supervised by pulmonologists and other doctors. Modern medicine has shown that certain types of sleep disorders can be caused by your oral anatomy, specifically the soft tissues in the back of the mouth. Because doctors are not authorized to fit patients with oral appliances, they will often refer patients to an oral sleep provider (sleep dentistry) like the SD Sleep Center team.
Even if you have never been to a doctor about your sleep disorder, you can still call our San Diego office for a consultation. Our office has a network of specialists who can assist you in diagnosing, screening, and delivering dental services for oral sleep disorders.
SD Sleep Center can help, regardless of whether you have a current sleep doctor. If necessary, we can dispense a home test or an oral appliance. It’s easy, affordable, and streamlines the process for our patients.
Different Types Of Sleep Studies
Technically, how sleep apnea is diagnosed starts with a clinical sleep study. There are usually two types of sleep studies available:
Sleep Lab Studies — This traditional and thorough sleep analysis is performed in a medical facility known as a “sleep laboratory.” Although it looks like a bedroom, the lab is actually located in a medical office or hospital.
Home Sleep Testing — Do you prefer not to spend the night in a lab? We can arrange for you to take a small device with you home that records your sleep quality, breathing, and pulse oximetry. You can bring your sleep machine back to the office the next morning to have the data processed. It’s as simple as that!
Benefits of a Home-Based Sleep Study
A home sleep study is one of the easiest ways how sleep apnea is diagnosed.
In the past, getting tested to determine if you have sleep apnea was as simple as visiting a physician. The doctor would arrange an overnight study in a lab and then place you in a doctor’s office.
Today, home sleep studies are a great way to avoid the hassle of going to bed in a hospital for testing. You can use the small kit to sleep in your own bed. This means you can choose your pillow, mattress, thermostat, nighttime routine, and thermostat setting. It’ll make it easier to fall asleep, knowing that you don’t have to worry about anyone watching.
Most people feel comfortable completing a home study, so it is easier to screen for sleep disorders, especially if you don’t want to stay in a lab overnight.
Sleep Apnea and its Health Impacts
Living with an undiagnosed, untreated sleep disorder can lead to fatigue and tiredness. Statistics show that sleep apnea may increase your chances of developing a serious condition like:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Asthma
- Acid reflux
- Auto accidents
You’re Just A Click Away From Better Sleep
Call our San Diego sleep office today to schedule your consultation.