Sleep apnea tests and diagnosis

“With the proper diagnosis and treatment approach, most sleep disorders are easily treated”, says Dr. Wesley E. Fleming of the Sleep Center Orange County, USA.

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Why should I get tested for sleep apnea?

Sleep is essential to our overall well-being, therefore disruptive sleep can affect personal health, family life and work.

When you don’t get optimal sleep, it can hold you back from feeling energized, productive and healthy.

Sleep apnea can also increase your risk for developing other chronic and life-threatening conditions.

Step1 Getting started: How to get tested for sleep apnea

01

Take ResMed's free sleep assessment

Our free sleep assessment will determine if you may be at risk for sleep apnea.

Start now

02

Talk to your doctor

After taking the sleep assessment, discuss your results and sleep issues with your doctor.

03

Take a sleep test at a clinic or at home

Your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist and recommend you schedule a sleep test to track your snoring habits. It can be done in a sleep test clinic or in the comfort of your home.

Step 2 Understanding your sleep test options

Sleep tests can be done at home or at a certified sleep clinic. However, the test in a sleep clinic may offer a more complete picture of how sleep apnea is affecting your body if you have other chronic conditions.

A polysomnography (PSG) test is performed at a certified sleep clinic. Sleep clinic rooms look a lot like your bedroom at home. Sleep specialists set you up with small sensors that record your sleeping behavior.

At-home sleep testing devices, like the ResMed ApneaLink™ Air, allow you to take your test at home and return the equipment to the sleep clinic.

ApneaLink Air

Step 3 Understanding your sleep test results

If you're diagnosed with sleep apnea, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

After your sleep test is complete, you and your doctor will go over your results together and discuss your diagnosis. If you have sleep apnea, you will discuss the severity level, possible health effects and treatment options.

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Did you know that nearly 1 billion people worldwide have sleep apnea? 1 Source: Benjafield AV et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: A literature-based analysis. Vol 7:8; 687-98. Lancet Respir Med 2019

Ernest shares his sleep test experiences: 2Source: This patient story is a genuine and documented account of the individual's response to treatment. Outcomes and results may vary, and this individual's response does not provide any indication, warranty or guarantee that other people will have the same or a similar experience. Talk to your healthcare professional for further information. All patient story videos are originated in USA.

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Common medical terms you may see in your sleep test results:

Apnea

This is when you stop breathing during sleep. For obstructive sleep apnea, it’s when the entire airway is blocked, preventing air from entering the lungs.

Hypopnea

A reduction in airflow by 30% or greater associated with a similar reduction in the movement of your chest and stomach, as well as a 3% (4% for Medicare guidelines) or greater fall in the blood oxygen level. 3 Source: Lianne M et al., “Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Fatigue and Sleepiness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial.” Sleep. 2011 January 1; 34(1): 121–126. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001790/

Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)

The severity of sleep apnea can be measured by the average number of times per hour someone had an apnea or hypopnea while they slept.

Oxygen desaturation index (ODI)

Measures the number of times per hour that the level of oxygen in the blood drops below a normal level.

Respiratory disturbance index (RDI)

This is the average number of respiratory disturbances – including apneas, hypopneas and other respiratory events – per hour of sleep.

Will treatment help?

Treating your sleep apnea will help you sleep better and help improve your energy level and overall health. 1 Source: Benjafield AV et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: A literature-based analysis. Vol 7:8; 687-98. Lancet Respir Med 2019 3 Source: Lianne M et al., “Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Fatigue and Sleepiness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial.” Sleep. 2011 January 1; 34(1): 121–126. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001790/ Before you know it, you'll get back to feeling your best every day!

Brooke shares her inspiring perspective on how sleep apnea treatment has changed her life and why it's important to take charge of your health. 2 Source: This patient story is a genuine and documented account of the individual's response to treatment. Outcomes and results may vary, and this individual's response does not provide any indication, warranty or guarantee that other people will have the same or a similar experience. Talk to your healthcare professional for further information. All patient story videos are originated in USA.

Watch her story
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Keep exploring

Sleep apnea Diagnosis and Treatment Journey

Learn more about what to expect after diagnosis and the sleep apnea treatment experience.

Learn More

Free online sleep assessment

Take our free sleep assessment and find out if you’re at risk for sleep apnea.

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Need any help?

Having any difficulties? Talk to us so we can make your CPAP journey even better.

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References

1

Source: Benjafield AV et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: A literature-based analysis. Vol 7:8; 687-98. Lancet Respir Med 2019

1

Source: Benjafield AV et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: A literature-based analysis. Vol 7:8; 687-98. Lancet Respir Med 2019

2

Source: This patient story is a genuine and documented account of the individual's response to treatment. Outcomes and results may vary, and this individual's response does not provide any indication, warranty or guarantee that other people will have the same or a similar experience. Talk to your healthcare professional for further information. All patient story videos are originated in USA.

3

Source: Lianne M et al., “Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Fatigue and Sleepiness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial.” Sleep. 2011 January 1; 34(1): 121–126. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001790/

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