Sleep Apnea Testing & Treatment
At-home Sleep Tests
At-home sleep testing provides a convenient and accessible way to evaluate sleep patterns and screen for sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Unlike in-lab sleep studies, which require overnight stays at a sleep center, at-home sleep testing allows you to undergo the assessment in the comfort of your own home.
During an at-home sleep test, you will be provided with a portable sleep testing device that is easy to use. The device typically includes sensors and monitors to record various physiological parameters such as:
✓Blood oxygen levels
✓Heart rate
✓Body movement
Order your Home Sleep Test
These sensors are non-invasive and designed to be comfortably worn while you sleep.
Before the sleep test, you will be given instructions on how to properly apply and use the testing device. You may need to attach sensors to different parts of your body, such as the chest for respiratory efforts, a finger for pulse oximetry, and other locations as required for specific measurements. In the morning, you will typically remove the sensors and return the device to the sleep center or healthcare provider for data analysis and interpretation.
Once the data is analyzed, sleep specialists will evaluate the results to assess sleep stages, identify potential sleep apnea events, and determine the severity of any sleep disorders. Based on the findings, a diagnosis can be made, and appropriate treatment recommendations can be provided.
At-home sleep testing offers several benefits, including the convenience of conducting the test in a familiar environment, reduced cost compared to in-lab studies, and the ability to collect data on your typical sleep patterns. However, it is important to note that not all sleep disorders can be diagnosed through at-home testing, and in some cases, an in-lab study may be necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.
Understanding the Process for Sleep Apnea Testing
The process of undergoing an at-home sleep study involves several key steps that ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan for sleep apnea. At Sleep Well Ohio, we guide you through each stage to provide comprehensive care and support.
Consultation:
During a consultation, you meet with our sleep specialist. We will ask you questions and conduct a medical evaluation.
Take Home Your At-Home Sleep Test:
If an at-home sleep study is necessary, our dentists send you home with a convenient at-home unit.
Complete Sleep Test:
At-home, this device will monitor your sleep and gather information from multiple sensors while you sleep in your normal routine.
Diagnosis by Sleep Specialist:
After a testing, one of our dentists will provide an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Plan:
After an accurate diagnosis, our team will put together a treatment plan. This might include oral device therapy or lifestyle modifications.
Contact Sleep Better Sarasota today to schedule a consultation. Our team is committed to an effective testing and diagnosis process, and helping you improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.
Why Use an At-home Sleep Test
- Conduct the test in the comfort of your own home.
- Generally, it is more affordable compared to in-lab sleep studies.
- Maintain your regular sleep routine in your own bed.
- Easy-to-use and comfortable sensors.
- Accurate data collection for diagnosing sleep apnea.
- Helps determine the likelihood of sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disease that affects 1 out of 5 people and most do not know they suffer from it. It is a cessation of breathing caused by obstruction of the upper airway by the tongue during sleep. When the airway is blocked and no air is reaching the lungs, the oxygen levels in the blood begin to drop, rapidly. This negatively affects every cell in the body.
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician with a sleep test, which can be done in the comfort of your own bed. As a dentist, I can fabricate a custom-made device that holds the jaw in a forward position and helps maintain an open airway while you sleep. 
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
OSA is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, leading to partial or complete blockage of the upper airway. This blockage restricts airflow, resulting in breathing pauses or reductions in airflow during sleep.Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):
CSA is less common and differs from OSA in terms of its underlying cause. It occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. As a result, individuals with CSA experience disrupted breathing patterns during sleep.Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSA):
CompSA, also known as mixed sleep apnea, is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Initially, it may present as OSA, but with the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, central sleep apnea emerges or worsens.Positional Sleep Apnea:
Positional sleep apnea refers to a specific form of sleep apnea in which breathing disruptions occur primarily when an individual sleeps in certain positions, typically when lying on their back. This type of sleep apnea can be treated by encouraging a change in sleep position.It is worth noting that a comprehensive evaluation by a sleep specialist is necessary to determine the specific type and severity of sleep apnea. This evaluation typically involves a clinical assessment, sleep study, and analysis of physiological parameters to identify the presence and characteristics of sleep apnea.
Proper diagnosis of the specific type of sleep apnea is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, oral devices, CPAP therapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. Consulting with a sleep specialist is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy for your specific type of sleep apnea.
Testing and diagnosis lead to effective treatment, so it is important to test accurately. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or are experiencing symptoms such as loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, or restless sleep, it is crucial to undergo proper testing and diagnosis to determine if you have a sleep disorder. Our experienced team of sleep specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive testing and accurate diagnosis to help you understand your sleep disorder and find the most effective solutions. We specialize in at-home sleep tests, which are a convenient option to get you an accurate diagnosis.
Our dental approach to treating sleep apnea and snoring allows us to create customized treatment plans. It all starts with an accurate diagnosis. Sleep Better Sarasota is here to help.