What Is a Sleep Study and How Can It Help Diagnose Sleep Apnea?

At Providence ENT, we understand the importance of good sleep to your health and well-being. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep, making you tired and affecting your health. 

If you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, or breathing pauses during sleep, a sleep study may be the solution to unraveling the mystery and provide direction for the correct treatment options. Let’s examine what a sleep study entails, how it is conducted, and how it can be used to diagnose and treat sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common and severe sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted and then recommences repeatedly during sleep. The breathing stops can last for seconds, minutes, or even longer and can occur dozens of times per night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when throat muscles are too relaxed and block the airway.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Pauses in breathing (often noticed by a partner)
• Daytime drowsiness or fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty focusing or irritability

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. That’s why early diagnosis from our ENTs in Media is critical, and that’s where a sleep study comes in.

What Happens During a Sleep Study?

A sleep test, also known as polysomnography, is a diagnostic test that monitors your body’s functioning during sleep. It is the gold standard in diagnosing sleep apnea because it provides comprehensive information on breathing patterns, oxygen saturation, and other crucial indicators of sleep well-being.

While undergoing a sleep test at Providence ENT, you will be able to sleep comfortably in a tranquil environment as various sensors monitor multiple vital physiological processes. Brain waves (EEG) are tracked to identify the sleep stages and interruptions. 

Respiratory patterns are monitored to identify pauses or irregular breathing patterns. Oxygen saturation is measured to determine how well your body absorbs oxygen during sleep. Additionally, heart rate is tracked to identify abnormalities related to breathing interruptions, and muscle activity is observed to identify movements that may represent restlessness or other sleep disorders.

Our experienced team of professionals carefully analyzes the data obtained from your research. From this analysis, we can determine whether you have sleep apnea and its severity. With that knowledge, we can design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, delivering the best care for a comfortable and healthy sleep.

How Can a Sleep Study Help?

A sleep test not only confirms whether you do have sleep apnea but also provides valuable information about its severity. This is crucial because it will determine the most effective treatment approach for you.

Treatment options for sleep apnea include:

• CPAP Therapy: A machine that delivers continuous air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.
• Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw or tongue to prevent airway blockages.
• Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side can help reduce symptoms for some people.
• Inspire® Therapy: For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, Inspire Therapy offers an innovative solution. This small implantable device stimulates airway muscles during sleep to keep them open naturally.

In some cases, surgery is also recommended to fix structural issues behind the obstructed airways.

With an accurate diagnosis from a sleep study, Providence ENT can refer you to proper treatment for your condition—so you can breathe more easily and sleep soundly once again.

Don’t let untreated sleep apnea dictate your health or quality of life any longer! Contact Providence ENT today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you sleep better and feel better, so you can experience life to the fullest.