Sleep apnea is a condition where you actually stop breathing during your sleep. These episodes can last for a minute or two and can happen just a few times or hundreds of times during the night. Sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat closes and blocks the airway. This condition can also be the result of the brain not sending signals to the muscles to breathe. You will usually start breathing again and make a snort or choking sound as you do. If left untreated, you can develop serious health issues. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, there are specific tests that can help to diagnose this condition.
Types
There are two main types of tests that will be run: the polysomnogram multiple sleep latency test and maintenance of wakefulness test. Sensors are placed on your scalp, face, chest, limbs and a finger.
Elastic belts are placed around your chest and abdomen. You will be made to feel as comfortable as possible.
Medical History
Your doctor will go over your medical history to see if you have any risk factors for sleep apnea. She will also need to know if sleep apnea runs in your family.
Measuring Your Stages of Sleep
You will have both an electroencephalogram to measure brain waves and an electroculogram to measure eye and chin movement. Both of these tests can show how much time you spend in various sleep cycles.
Measuring Your Vitals
You will also need to take an electrocardiogram to measure your heart's rate and rhythm. Your doctor will use chest bands to measure breathing movements. This is important because your rate of breathing and your heart's activity change as you go through various sleep cycles.
Other Tests
You will also be monitored to determine your levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Machines can also record leg movement as you sleep. These tests check for restlessness and disturbed sleep patterns.
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