Can You Diagnose My OSA From My Home?

Categories: Sleep Apnea

If you experience frequent daytime exhaustion or chronic snoring in Spring, TX, then you may be experiencing the common symptoms of a serious disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) leads to difficulty sleeping and a number of uncomfortable symptoms. In order to provide a comfortable and accurate diagnosis we often employ a home sleep test.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Testing

Question: Does snoring mean I need testing?

Answer: Not always, but sometimes chronic snoring does indicate a higher risk of sleep apnea. We will need to discuss the details of your sleep issues before administering an official diagnosis. Other symptoms of OSA include drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating on tasks at work or school.

Question: What happens if my OSA remains untreated?

Answer: Without treatment, the issue leaves a patient exhausted, more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel or develop depression. Long term, there is a greater risk of high blood pressure, stroke, or heart attack.

Question: How do you perform a sleep test?

Answer: The sleep test involves the patient taking a small device home. As they sleep comfortably in their own bed, the machine records their natural sleep state. The machine takes note of blood oxygen levels or apneic episodes. We then look at the results and decide if you require treatment to improve your sleep.

Question: If I have sleep apnea, what next?

Answer: Should we identify the presence of OSA, we will need to begin treatment. We may suggest changes to your sleep habits and also prescribe a custom-made oral appliance. The sleep appliance moves the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues, which causes sleep apnea episodes. The patient then sleeps throughout the night and breathes freely. If you have any questions about treating OSA, or about our sleep testing or sleep appliances, then contact our team today.

Do You Need Sleep Testing?

To help find out if you need treatment, we can administer a comfortable diagnostic test. To learn more, call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.