Tests used to diagnose sleep apnea

Do you suffer from sleep apnea?

Have you considered getting tested for sleep apnea? What symptom led you to this question? Whether it's due to snoring, excessive fatigue, or disturbed sleep, there's no bad reason to consult a doctor. You can also consult our list of myths and realities on this subject. But in any case, if you feel that your sleep is not as restorative as it should be, it is best to consult a professional.

Diagnosing sleep apnea in your bed

You might mistakenly believe that you need to go to the hospital to have this still little-known sleep disorder diagnosed. That's not the case! Our sleep disorder specialists will come to your home to conduct a diagnostic examination in the comfort of your own bed and home, making it much easier to sleep.

The three tests used to diagnose sleep apnea

Cardiorespiratory polygraphy

This is the diagnostic test most commonly prescribed to diagnose sleep apnea. It can be performed at home And it's inexpensive. It's an easy test to perform, especially since you don't have to go to a lab or hospital. During the test, the equipment fitted by the respiratory therapist records the patient's breathing, snoring, respiratory movements, sleeping position, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. The respiratory therapist can then retrieve the data and equipment. Afterward, they can review the collected data and make a diagnosis, if necessary.

The only drawback is that this test may underestimate sleep apnea in some patients. Therefore, it cannot definitively rule out sleep apnea, even with a negative diagnosis.

Polysomnography

This type of examination is generally prescribed when a cardiorespiratory polygraphy has come back negative, but the patient is symptomatic. To definitively rule out the possibility of sleep apnea, the respiratory therapist will prescribe a polysomnography, an examination that must take place in the laboratory .

This is a more expensive but more comprehensive examination. It allows for the recording of the patient's breathing, snoring, respiratory movements, sleeping position, heart rate, oxygen levels, leg movements, and brain activity.

Nighttime oximetry

This type of test cannot diagnose sleep apnea. Nor can it definitively rule out the possibility of having it. It is essentially a "pre-test." It is generally used for children who are scheduled for ENT surgery. This test only records the patient's heart rate and oxygen saturation.