Michelle Sands, Registered Dental Hygienist and Sleep Apnea Director at Silent Night Therapy, told Patient Daily that gathering data while the patient is comfortable sleeping is key to a comprehensive sleep apnea diagnosis.
"We can get a better diagnosis when the patient is comfortable while sleeping," said Sands.
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, diagnosing sleep apnea involves multiple approaches, often starting with a clinical evaluation. Physicians typically begin by discussing a patient's symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, and observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. They may also inquire about risk factors like obesity, family history, and certain medical conditions. These preliminary steps are crucial in determining whether a patient should undergo more definitive testing, such as a sleep study.
The Mayo Clinic states that the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea is polysomnography, commonly known as a sleep study. This test is conducted overnight in a sleep lab where a patient is connected to equipment that monitors various physiological parameters, including brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, and breathing patterns. The data collected helps to identify disruptions in sleep and episodes of apnea or hypopnea.
Sands noted that labs can be complex, uncomfortable, and inconvenient, often making it difficult for patients to sleep. Home testing allows for a more accurate diagnosis as patients are more comfortable. "We offer a two-night home sleep test with a fingertip testing device, which makes it a whole lot easier," she said.
"Home-based sleep testing differs from lab testing in terms of the depth of information obtained and the absence of direct observation," said Sands. "In a laboratory setting, multiple sensors capture neurological, cardiac, and pulmonary data, allowing for a more detailed analysis, including the identification of specific triggers for sleep disruptions. While lab tests offer more comprehensive insights, they can also be challenging for patients, leading to discomfort and difficulty sleeping, which may affect the accuracy of the results."
According to the Sleep Night Therapy website, in her role as Sleep Apnea Director at Silent Night Therapy Sands finds herself witnessing the transformative impact on those initially reluctant and exhausted with sleep issues. She guides people from a life-threatening situation to an overhaul of their health and overall life.
