Apnea Test

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   How can you get a sleep apnea test done without any insurance?
   My fiance has sleep apnea and needs a sleep test done so that he can get the machine to help make it better. He has no insurance as he is out of work. We have been trying to find free sleep tests in Ohio but have had no luck.

   • ANSWER:
     alot of medical research companies have free testing for certain types of illnesses. Go to the NIH website. That is National Institue of Health. Or contact a medical school or a University hospital associated with one.

2. QUESTION:
   What else can a sleep apnea test tell you about your health?
   Went to a sleep apnea test. What else can Physicians tell about such a test. I was hocked up to about 36 different electro cables.
   Thanks. I looked very funny after being hocked up to all these electrodes.
   Thanks. I looked very funny after being hocked up to all these electrodes.

   • ANSWER:
     A polysonogram or sleep study can identify about 80 plus different sleep disoders. Sleep apnea is by far the most common. It can tell if you have any siezures or brain wave abnormalities from the EEG They can tell if you have any heart rythm abnormalities from the EKG. The leg wires are EMG and they can tell if you have restless leg syndrome. The wire on your finger can tell what your oxygen level is all night. Other wires include the snore microphone, flow sensor (in the nose), the face electrodes are generally EMG wires. They can tell when you are in REM. The belts around the chest are to show respiratory and abdominal effort. It helps to determine if you have central sleep apnea vs. obstructive sleep apnea.

     Hope this helps

3. QUESTION:
   Can a sleep apnea test be dangerous for a 92 year old woman?
   My mom is 92 and going to take a sleep apnea test tomorrow night. She is not in great health.

   • ANSWER:
     A sleep apnea test cannot be harmful - the test itself is just a sleep study, they put some stickers on you and these give information to a computer. It's easy. The only possible reason it could be detrimental is if she is stressed out.

     If she's reasonably healthy and calm it will all be OK

4. QUESTION:
   Is It Sleep Apnea I Took 2 Test Both Normal Also Been Suffering From Anxiety Please Help Urgent?
   On the Onset of sleeping just as I hit the sleep mode when im unaware that im asleep i hop up out my bed gasping for air with a flutter in my chest then a little afterward I get chest pains.

   I took ekg ecg and blood flow test everything normal and i also took too sleep apnea test that were normal but why do i still get these things?

   • ANSWER:
     Negative emotions (like sadness, stress, anger, etc.) causes your Serotonin production to be low; when your Serotonin level is low, you are more prone to getting Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, etc.

     Medication like Antidepressants (SSRI - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) helps to boost Serotonin level.
     But there are natural ways to do it without medication. There's this strange herb called "St John's Wort" - it is said to be more effective than Prozac. No, it is not for mild depression only and ignore those sayings. In fact, it does help anxiety and panic-attacks as St John's Wort works like prozac. Other natural ways will be exercise, diet, more exposure to light, etc.

     The problem is that, even if your Serotonin is balanced... you have that "learned behavior" in your mind. You need to break that initial cycle to destroy that learned behavior - Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) does this. A technique that you can use without CBT will be Distraction... There are several other techniques to help cope them!
     Ok, to use Distraction: Firstly, try to....

     Extracted from Source.

5. QUESTION:
   What can I do while I wait for my sleep apnea test results?
   I am scheduled to have a sleep apnea sleep study next Saturday, but I was wondering, since it takes three weeks for the results of the study, what can I do to improve my sleep and breathing until then. I am fairly certain I have sleep apnea but I cannot get the mask until we are for sure about it. I am tired all the time, what can I do about this?

   • ANSWER:
     Here is what you can do, but I don't know how much will help you:

     * try sleeping on your side rather than sleeping on your back as it can produces loud snores because of blockages.

     * elevate the head when you sleep. This measure can alleviate snoring and make breathing easier.

     * Use an air humidifier at nighttime to make the air moister.

     * don't smoke for at leas several hours prior to bedtime. Doing so, the smoke can cause the airways to tighten in the neck, worsening sleep apnea.

     * maintain regular sleep hours. In my case, I had to quit my shift work job, to have a normal sleep.

     * use a nasal dilator, saline nasal spray or breathe right strips to help open nasal passages.

     I hope it helps!

6. QUESTION:
   I am having tonsillectomy and sleep apnea test?
   I am having a tonsillectomy done. But before they even do that. They must have a sleep test done on me. Is that sleep test really important or can i have it done without that sleep test? How long do you really think it really takes to heal? What can I eat?

   • ANSWER:
     If the tonsillectomy is related to a sleep disorder, the sleep test is necessary. In our minds, it may not be necessary but for medical cya they will do it. I have severe sleep apnea. I opted for the surgery to remove all loose skin in the back of my mouth and a tonsillectomy. I have always heard it was bad for an older person. They were correct. It felt as though they had scraped the back of my throat with sandpaper. The person who answered earlier is correct. It does take several weeks to completely heal. Soft food is best. At first I was afraid to eat because my throat hurt so much. Every few days that pass, you will not feel as bad and you will start to eat more like you did before. Having the apnea surgery did not cure my apnea. It cured my snoring. I still have to use a cpap. Good luck.

7. QUESTION:
   I cannot afford to go take a sleep apnea test can anyone?
   tell me how I can get an apap machine? I cannot afford the test 2 Dr.s told me I should have the test since I cannot afford one, does anyone out there know how I can get one? Anything about it?

   • ANSWER:
     If you can't afford the test, you probably can't afford the machine.

8. QUESTION:
   For apnea test will they give me snacks/food at bedtime so I can fall asleep faster?
   The department said it's like a hotel with own room/ restroom with cable tv etc

   they said i go to sleep at 9:30 and they wake me up at 7:30am

   do u think they will have food for me so I can fall asleep faster? If not, it would take me 4-5 hours to fall asleep cos of my mental condition.

   • ANSWER:
     I would not count on them have food for you. You should take what you need.
     remember, they want to find out what is wrong so you need to do it as you normally do..... they will also check how long it takes for you to fall asleep....that is part of the test.

     i did my sleep study at my home. it was fine....nothing to worry about.

9. QUESTION:
   Is there anyway to test for sleep apnea without sleeping over somewhere?
   I can't do the sleeping over bit due to agoraphobia, but my roommate said I stop breathing at night and last time I went to my doctor she mentioned that I might have apnea. So is there a test that doesn't involve sleeping somewhere?

   • ANSWER:
     No.

10. QUESTION:
    i cannot pass test, just flunked sleep apnea test because i could not fall asleep, need new cpap?
    they say is a government and ins. company rule. gotta be just so. but they say without doubt i have sleep apnea? 1984 all over again.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep Apnea is a sleeping disorder where you temporarily stop breathing during sleep. However, I fail to see the relevance of your ranting about the government and insurance companies. I know people blame the government for many things, but blaming them for your suspected sleep apnea is perhaps going too far!

11. QUESTION:
    What do they do at an Sleep Apnea Test?
    My husband is having an Sleep Apnea Test, on wednesday....what do they do? how does it work? does he has to stay there overnight? will he come home the same day? he forgot to ask all this questions to his doctor, and now I'm worried. Thank You!
    he's appointment is at 3:00 pm I don't get it why so early but they sent the reminder and is at 3, I dont think he will go to sleep at 3pm

    • ANSWER:
      He will be fine. My husband had it done. They hook them up to all kinds of machines that tell your position, oxygen, brain waves, heart rate, etc. They gave him one phone call then light-outs. Basically they will monitor him while he sleeps and wake him up in the morning. They are trained to handle any problems that may arise in your husbands sleep. For example if he is having apnea's they may put a cpap on him during the rest of the night to see what pressure he would have to be prescribed. He should be fine and it does make for interesting conversation the next day.

12. QUESTION:
    Is there a way I can test if I have sleep apnea without having a sleep study?
    I suspect I have it, as I have the symptoms of it. But I think my classmates would have said if I stopped breathing while sleeping in class (I was always sleeping almost all day, every day in school). Which is why I lost my place in school.

    So, is there any way I can test If I have sleep apnea without having a sleep study? or any similar sleep disorders?

    • ANSWER:
      Essentially, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical diagnosis. In consequence, your analysis for this sleeping disorder would need to be confirmed by a physician.

      Due to the critical nature of this malady, professional treatment is necessary as airway blockage can cause you to stop breathing for periods of up to 20 seconds at a time. This can occur as often as every few minutes throughout the entire night.

      Under normal conditions, the muscles found at the back of your throat continually hold your airway open so air can get to your lungs. These muscles relax somewhat as you sleep. Yet, if your airway is markedly narrow, these muscles can actually block your airway when they relax.
      Typically, symptoms such as mood changes, depression, irritability, sudden waking from sleep, shortness of breath, waking with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, chronic loud snoring, and possibly memory problems, remain common in OSA.

      The following scale is employed to determine likelihood of OSA. Take the test and see where you fall in the probability ranking.

      The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

      How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the situations described below under normal circumstances (i.e., excluding times of over-exertion and sleep deprivation)?
      Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
      0 = Would never doze
      1 = Slight chance of dozing
      2 = Moderate chance of dozing
      3 = High probability of dozing

      Situation (rate each on a scale of 0-3)
      •sitting and reading
      •watching TV
      •sitting, inactive, in a public place (i.e., theatre or meeting)
      •as a car passenger without a break for an hour
      •lying down to rest in the afternoon as circumstances permit
      •sitting and talking to someone
      •sitting quietly after lunch (without alchohol)
      •in a car, driving, but while stopped for a few minutes in traffic

      If your points total 10 or more, you are considered borderline sleep-deprived. If 12 or higher, you should seek medical attention immediately.

13. QUESTION:
    What to expect at apnea overnight sleep clinic test?
    I've been given this overnight appointment with no info so I don't know what to expect at all. Can anyone advise please and does anyone out there have experience of sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      I have sleep apnea, a serious case of it too boot.

      Like you I went in "blind" to my sleep study. I was told to bring clothes, morning ritual stuff, and whatever else that helps you sleep. They usually ask you to be there around 8 or maybe 9p.m. so they can start putting the electrodes on varies part of your body. I had like one on each side of my calves and couple on my chest and 10 various points on my head.(don't worry the goop does wash out of your hair)

      When you are ready too sleep they will hook up the electrodes to the monitor. All you do is sleep and they will watch you on the camera while they watch your heart beat and breathing. If your wake up sometime in the night and have to use the bathroom,, well its kinda awkward but you have tell them you need to use the bathroom. You just can't get up because you are hooked up to the monitor. They come in, unhook you, go do your business, come back, they hook you back up and you go back to sleep.

      In the morning they come unhook you and take the electrodes off and you shower and go to work or home if you want. It takes them a couple days come back with a diagnosis.

      There are different levels of sleep apnea. You are only allowed 15 interruptions an hour for it too not be a problem. Interruptions can be you snoring, tossing and turning, not breathing, heart doing goofy stuff, it goes on but those are the basics.

      I had an average of 55 interruption's an hour. My brother was 66. I had stopped breathing at one time for about 45 seconds.

      The way I understand sleep apnea is when you are not going into R.E.M. enough to be getting good sleep. Basically R.E.M. is the time your brain shuts down to get the much needed down time and your body goes into auto mode. Sometimes your body may forget to do the basics when in auto mode and your brain has too wake up and tell you to do them. Don't let this scare you because you would be surprised how much of this actually goes on when we sleep. I also found out through my doctor that sleep apnea does run in family's. My Grandpa, Dad, and Brother all have it and so do I. One thing that contributes to my problem is a small jaw. It's half an inch smaller than should be. Some people go do that thing to their nose to help with the snoring when in fact it is probably the jaw. You might ask about that when you talk to your doctor. I hope I helped and good sleeping.

14. QUESTION:
    How do they test you for sleep apnea?
    I'm sixteen, and I have to get tested for it soon.
    I'm just wondering how they do it?

    • ANSWER:
      One of the following 2 teast are performed to diagnose sleep apnea:

      A) POLYSOMNOGRAPHY TEST:

      Polysomnogram , or PSG, is the most common study for diagnosing sleep apnea. This test records:

      * Brain activity
      * Eye movement and other muscle activity
      * Breathing and heart rate
      * How much air moves in and out of your lungs while you're sleeping
      * The amount of oxygen in your blood

      A PSG is painless. You will go to sleep as usual, except you will have sensors on your scalp, face, chest, limbs, and finger. The staff at the sleep center will use the sensors to check on you throughout the night.

      B) CPAP TEST

      If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, your doctor will direct you to undergo a sleep study to determine whether you need a continuous positive airway pressure device-commonly called a CPAP. This CPAP test will pinpoint the severity of your sleep apnea so you can gain a treatment plan that will restore and protect your health

      During the CPAP test sleep study, a clinic technician will place a nasal mask over your nose that is connected to a CPAP machine via a flexible hose. As you sleep, the technician will adjust the level of air pressure flowing from the CPAP machine through the nasal mask to a rate that forces the back of your throat to remain open, thus preventing the stops and starts in breathing.

15. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea test?? please answer?
    I am schedule for a sleep apnea test tomorrow, and i know its gonna b depressing lol, but i was wondering if i would be allowed to use a cellphone while am in there with the cables wired? and also, do they have tv's ?

    • ANSWER:
      Silly!

16. QUESTION:
    what do you do when your sleep apnea test comes back normal?

    • ANSWER:

17. QUESTION:
    Have you had the sleep apnea test ?
    Please explain what you need to do and what kind of results come out of it ?

    • ANSWER:
      I have never had one but I work for a company that gives them. You will come in at around 8 or 9 PM unless you have arranged for a day time study. They will hook you up to several monitors to measure brain waves, air flow from you nose, chest movement, eye movement, and in some labs leg movement. You will do what ever you normally do at home ie read, watch TV and so on. Then go to bed. Make sure you have on something that is not embracing.

      You will sleep all night and wake up in the morning.

      The test will show if you are breathing normally, if you have any abnormal leg movements, and so on.

      The purpose of the test is to see if there is a sleep disorder that is interrupting your sleep cycle. If your sleep cycle is interrupted, you will not get a "good night" sleep. This can lead to excessive sleepiness, high blood pressure, weight gain, diabetes and so on.

      Here is a link to a site that may help you. Good luck

      http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-studies

18. QUESTION:
    Is there any sort of self-test for sleep apnea?
    Not that I would skip a sleep study if given the option, but I'd like to know if there is a way to give yourself some idea as to whether you have sleep apnea or not.

    Are there any signs or symptoms to watch for?

    • ANSWER:
      There's no way you can diagnose sleep apnea yourself because you can't watch yourself and sleep too.

      Major signs and symptoms of sleep apnea

      Loud and chronic snoring
      Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
      Long pauses in breathing
      Daytime sleepiness, no matter how much time you spend in bed

      Other common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

      Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
      Morning headaches
      Restless or fitful sleep
      Insomnia or nighttime awakenings
      Going to the bathroom frequently during the night
      Waking up feeling out of breath
      Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
      Moodiness, irritability, or depression

19. QUESTION:
    How can I test if I have sleep apnea?
    Hello,
    From the symptoms I suspect that I've sleep apnea.I want to confirm it. What are the possible available to test if I really have sleep apnea?
    I live alone,so no one to monitor for me. Is there any instrument available which I can use to monitor my breathing and check if I've sleep apnea or not?
    If available any brand suggestion?

    • ANSWER:
      As far as I know you can't. I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP (continuous pressure) machine to sleep at night. You should talk to your regular doctor about your suspicions. He/she will go through a questionaire with you and if you score the right way, he/she will set up an appointment at a sleep clinic where they will observe your sleep and diagnose you. You should also check with your insurance company. From what I understand, they don't all cover the sleep centers.

20. QUESTION:
    does anyone know where i can get a free sleep study to test for sleep apnea in or around olathe kansas?
    i think i have sleep apnea i keep waking up suddenly short of breath. i dont have insurance and am currently un employed so i can not afford to pay for a sleep study. does anyone know of a way to get one free of charge in or around olathe kansas? was told maybe a nursing school but not sure where to ask about that,,,

    • ANSWER:
      I do not know of any place but I can tell you nursing schools do not do them. Nurses usually do not do sleep studys, RT and EKG backgrounds do.

      You can probably work out a playment plan or can apply for medicaid.

21. QUESTION:
    What do they do at a Sleep Apnea Test?

    • ANSWER:
      I had one back in 1995. You go to a sleep center where they have beds in a room full of monitors. They connect you up with wires to various parts of the body. The wires are connected to monitor equipment that records different things about you body. Things like breathing, muscle movements and brain waves. You sleep there overnight while technicians monitor you.

      They also monitor your oxygen levels with a finger clamp.

      They found that I move my legs when sleeping and that I had mild apnea.

22. QUESTION:
    How long does it take to take a SLEEP APNEA TEST? How many hours do I have to be asleep?
    The doctor said I have to take this test cause I snore. And I don't even snore loud. Man this is stupid I know I don't have sleep apnea. But I have problems sleeping - so I usually get in like 4 hours at most then I wake up. Not from sleep apnea, from STRESS i have been thru in my life. So I don't think i'mma be able to sleep more than 4 hours, maybe 3 depending on the environment. if I wake up should I pretend to be sleep again?
    But the question is how many hours do i have to sleep and will they know if I'm sleep if I wake up and pretend to be asleep?
    Nurse PLS STHU, I don't have sleep apnea, you don't know the situation, FIRST OFF, I don't even snore loud, I don't even snore unless I'm on my stomach and that's sometimes. So this test is absolute BS> but i have to take it because I'm in the Military. SO YES I"M MAD AT THE F-ING doctor.
    And HOW the flip am I suppose to sleep with wires tied up to me? THIS is some BS.
    I'm not trying to be at the doctor -- all day - every freakin month because they think I may have a disease when i know I don't. Every freakin time I goto that doctor they do 1,000,000 testes and YES I'm sick of it it is a waste of my freakin time

    • ANSWER:
      Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome, as the long version is called, is diagnosis through the data collected with the sleep study equipment as well as through a medical questionnaire.

      If your doctor is indeed wrong and overly worried about your snoring, it will take an experience sleep technician just a few minutes to see however little data was recorded, match it with the health questionnaire answers and realise OSA is not the case. 3 or 4 hours sleep as the minimum should be plenty, if indeed there are no signs of OSA at all.

      So if indeed you have no sleep apnea, it won't take a lot of sleep for them to realize you don't have it. If the idea of many wires stresses you out further, you can ask for an in-home limited respiratory test, which involves fewer wires and offers the comfort of your own bed. But that will be at their discretion of course.

23. QUESTION:
    Have you ever had a sleep apnea test (if so what type of equipment did you have to wear)?

    • ANSWER:
      When i had it done, it required 2 overnight studies. The first night was to determine if you actually had sleep apnea and if you did, how bad it was. They put electrodes on your head and face, pulse oximitry on your finger and EKG electrodes. Then you sleep, or try to at least. The second overnight, same hook-ups but they add a CPAP mask to the party.

24. QUESTION:
    Does the doctor have a good reason behind wanting a sleep apnea test or is he just trying to waste our money?
    Mom is dealing w/ blood pressure issues(more or less controlled from diet changes and medicine) and blood sugar issues(reoccuring). The doctor said that if the sugar still is acting up, he wants mom in for a sleep apnea test(1K that we CAN'T afford). Problem is that mom doesn't snore or if she does, it's extremelly quiet and she wakes up well rested. And she's actually LOST around 27 pounds so weight gain isn't an issue.

    • ANSWER:
      That's a tough one.

      It may be wise to call your mom's doctor and ask. Let him/her know you can't afford K for a sleep study, so you're trying to weigh the necessity and probable value of the test.

      Hope this helps

25. QUESTION:
    Have you undergone a sleep disorder test, for apnea?
    How was the procedure, wasn't it too bothersome?

    • ANSWER:
      I work in a hospital that does sleep studies. You'll need to have a referral from your doctor to get to a sleep lab. They have very comfortable rooms (a lot like motel rooms). You go there at night and sleep. They monitor your vital signs (heart rate, breathing) and watch you via camera while you sleep. They watch your sleeping patterns to see what exactly your problem is. Sometimes, people with apnea are put on what's call C-PAP. It's a mask that fits over your nose and mouth while you sleep, and pushes air into your lungs. The machine is set up by a respiratory therapist, so it 'breaths' in a pattern set especially for you. People with apnea usually have their tongue pushed against their soft palate, closing the back of their throat. That's what causes the long periods of not breathing, then the gasping breaths. It keeps people from entering, or remaining in REM sleep. The most restful type of sleep. The air pressure from the C-PAP keep the airway opened. They often feel tired during the day, or find themselves sleeping or taking naps at odd times, as their bodies try to catch up on the sleep they miss at night. I've taken care of many patients who use C-PAP machines. Often they say they never realized how poorly they were sleeping until they start to get a good nights sleep. Many report feeling exceptionally well, some even great, but the machine may take some getting used to. I've never heard anyone say they found it so bothersome it wasn't worth the rewards.

26. QUESTION:
    this is for those that have sleep apnea. How do you get used to the cpap machine?
    I am having a sleep apnea test done soon and may have to use the machine. I had the sleep apnea long time ago but I couldn't get used to the machine so I sent it back.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea machines and masks have come along way in the last 2 years. 1st make sure that the home care co. that is setting up the equipment will work with you, if they aren't willing to, go to another company! You are the customer and they CAN get you comfortable with something. There are so many different masks & nasal pillows available, not to mention what they are doing with the machines now! Puritan Bennett has a machine that is about the size of the 1st personnal CD players they came out with in the 80's, and Respironics has machines that work with your breathing pattern!(check out their web sites)
      This is something you need to be pro-active about. Lack of sleep does so many bad things to your body- poor memory, weight gain, depression, etc. Not to mention what the lack of oxygen in your body when you don't breath at night does to your brain and heart.
      Good Luck!

27. QUESTION:
    Apnea events per hour during sleep test?
    I had a sleep test done, I stop breathing 149 times per hour. How common is that?

    • ANSWER:
      for someone with apnea, that is average.

28. QUESTION:
    how long does a sleep apnea test take?

    • ANSWER:
      There are at least two ways to handle the testing that I'm aware of. Some hook you up to a monitor and send you home. You wear it during one full night of sleep. You then bring the unit back the next morning and they download the tests and review the results.
      The more common method is called a split study done at a sleep lab. It's called a split study because if the sleep study technician monitors certain levels of symptoms during the first four hours, they come in and hook you up to a CPAP and continue monitoring. During the second half, they adjust the CPAP pressure until the desired results are obtained. This was the study I went through and the technician called the doctor because he was concerned about how severe my Sleep Apnea was and came in after less Than three hours to put me on the CPAP. He is also a Sleep Apnea patient so he knows how bad it can be. He then dialed in on the correct pressure and I slept so hard that I didn't think any time had passed but I had slept solidly for five hours. There are five levels of sleep and in the first three hours, I never got passed the second level. After the application of the CPAP, I reached, and lingered in all five levels and felt GREAT!

29. QUESTION:
    Question about the sleep test they give you to see if you have sleep apnea?
    Do the sticky things they put on you come off easily the next morning? Or do they pull skin off with them. I want to go to the beach the next day so I want to make sure I'll be able to put lotion on and swim in the ocean.

    • ANSWER:
      They come off easily!
      Best of Luck

30. QUESTION:
    Is there a way to see if my husband has sleep apnea without going in for an official (expensive) test?
    He snores constantly and very loudly and is about 30 pounds overweight. I'm trying to encourage to eat better (or less) and move more, and I'm just wondering if he might have sleep apnea. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Officially, you should have a sleep lab perform a comprehensive sleep study. You shouldn't do what I did or listen to me (i didn't go to med school), though the choice is yours. I was unable to afford a sleep study too. Instead of listening for snoring, you should stay awake and monitor your husband's airway. Does his snoring become interrupted by gasps for hair? Do you observe his airway closing up momentarily during his sleep? If so, he most likely has Obstructive Sleep Apnea. My girlfriend observed these signs. I told my dentist and she was able to make a mouthpiece to wear to bed.

      The mouthpiece significantly improved my symptoms and I sleep much better. Mouthpieces help some people, although CPAP machines are best for most cases. You cannot get a CPAP machine without a sleep study as it requires a prescription, only the dental mouthpiece can be obtained without a prescription. Of course, you should have a sleep study performed by a sleep lab. What I did is not consistent with proper diagnosis and treatment.

31. QUESTION:
    is sleep apnea test required for DOT physical?

    • ANSWER:
      i heard if your neck measures 17 inches or more it may be required

32. QUESTION:
    Know anything firsthand about sleep apnea? Having test and a little scared.?
    I'm a big guy and I know that affects it. I want to die peacefully in my sleep, but I'd prefer it happened in my 90's. Any ideas on treatments? I want to get back on an excercise routine (I used to be an athlete), but that's hard when you are dead tired all the time. Anyone else know the feeling?

    • ANSWER:
      From the clinical perspective, you will feel soooooo much better once you are treated that you will be able to exercise, eat sensibly and have the energy to feel alert and revived when you wake up in the morning. Weight loss will be so much easier for you once you have started treatment and working with a good sleep physician.

      I have a few good stories to tell you regarding that. A medical student had extremely severe sleep apnea, he lost over 180 lbs after being on CPAP.He was napping during his examinations and well on his way to being a Cardiologist. When retested he had absolutely no sleep apnea! He changed his lifestyle and started eating more chicken and fish, cut out smoking, started a walking exercise routine and played gulf once a week.

      A long time mechanic was so sleep deprved from apnea he was falling asleep under cars he was fixing and weighed in over 300 lbs. He was about 5' 5. He started his Bilevel treatment and lost 150 lbs. When retested, he had NO sleep apnea and also had changed his lifestyle by stopping smoking, eating less junk food and more veggies, exercising 4 times a week by brisk neighborhood walks and a treadmill he bought at a local thrift store.

      I have been lucky enough to have participated in their care so I know it can happen.

      The sleep study (Polysomnogram) is totally painless. But have someone take a picture cause you will want to be able to see the numerous wires all over you (and family members love seeing it).
      I personally had one and it really isn't bad. It takes about fifteen minutes to get used to all the gadgets on you then its smooth sailing the rest of the night. Don't drink coffee or caffeine the day or your test so you can fall asleep quickly. If somethings uncomfortable, simply tell the technologist and they will assure its comfortable for sleeping.

      CPAP is continuous positive airway pressure. It's a small machine with a small mask that fits over you nose that forces regular room air into your throat creating an airway split. You wear it everytime you sleep, even when taking cat naps or when on vacation (and sleeping). If prescribed, remember to wear it when you sleep all the time. If you get nasal stuffiness, your physician can prescribe nasal steriods (sprays) and a humidifer that hooks to the CPAP unit. Just be sure to communicate with your physician during the first nights of treatment if you have any symptoms of nasal stuffiness so he can prescribe appropriate sprays and humidifiers.

      Wishing you many nights of refreshing sleep!

      Introduction to Sleep Apnea

      Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop during sleep for anywhere from ten seconds up to several minutes. These pauses in breathing, called apneas, can occur hundreds of times a night and are more likely to occur in certain positions, particularly when sleeping on the back. If apnea is severe enough, the sleeper wakes up gasping for breath and may never get more than five minutes of uninterrupted sleep all night. Sleep apnea is more prevalent in older individuals, men, and overweight people.

      When apnea occurs, the cessation in breathing causes a drop in blood oxygen levels, forcing the heart to labor harder to keep the blood oxygenated. The brain sends strong signals to the body to make an all-out effort to start breathing again. The chest muscles heave and the lungs work hard to draw in air, usually accompanied by gasps and loud snorts. The sleeper rouses just enough to shift position. While normal people might experience four or five of these breathing-related arousals during the night, people with apnea have dozens, even hundreds, of apnea episodes every night.
      "Apnea is an unrecognized killer, but it is hiding in plain sight. Every night more than 50 million Americans stop breathing. In a stunning evolutionary failure, nature endowed us with throats that tend to collapse during sleep and stop air flow but did not endow our sleeping brains with the ability to start breathing again calmly. At this breathless moment, the immediate future holds only two possibilities: death or waking up to breathe. In the worst cases, no air enters the lungs for 40, 50, 60 seconds, or longer. The muscles of the diaphragm struggle harder and harder against the blocked throat, without success. Carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream and the level of life-giving oxygen falls precipitously. After a minute or more the brain is panicking, suffocating, screaming out for oxygen. The skin and lips turn blue. Just when death seems imminent, the sleeper suddenly struggles awake and the tongue and throat muscles tighten, allowing oxygen to flood into the lungs in a series of gasping, snorting breaths. Oxygen is restored to the blood, and the fatal course is reversed. Instead of being alarmed and staying awake, the victim is immediately asleep again. After a few seconds, snoring begins-and the cycle starts again, repeating hundreds and hundreds a time a night."

      William C. Dement. MD: The Promise of Sleep

      People who suffer from sleep apnea have a high risk of contracting hypertension, strokes, and heart disease. In severe cases, a sleep apnea victim may actually spend more time not breathing than breathing and may be at risk for death.

      Sleep Apnea vs. Snoring

      When you snore, the air you inhale is being forced to pass through partially blocked passages {such as the nostrils or the back of the throat). In other words, the air still flows when you are snoring. In contrast, during sleep apnea, the air flow stops completely.

      How Does Apnea Interferes with Your Sleep?

      Apnea severely interferes with sleep. During the sleep apnea episode, the victim is aroused just long enough to start breathing again, but not long enough to remember being awake. The chronic sleep disruption caused by sleep apnea may leave the victim feeling exhausted and sleepy during the day. In the morning, they will feel extremely groggy and unrested. They go through the day feeling sleepy and fatigued. The longer the condition persists, the more sleep-deprived they become.
      This daytime sleepiness can be severe enough to cause automobile accidents. In a recent study, people who have sleep apnea are found to be seven times more likely to get into a car accident than the rest of the population.

      See Your Medical Doctor When...

      � Your spouse notices that your loud snoring is interrupted by pauses in breathing of ten seconds or more, perhaps followed by gruff snorts or gasps for air.
      � You snore and also have high blood pressure, leg swelling, memory lapses, trouble concentrating or problems getting or maintaining erections.
      You also complain of frequent daytime sleepiness or fall asleep during the day.

      http://www.holistic-online.com/Remedies/Sleep/sleep_apnea_introduction.htm

33. QUESTION:
    has anyone had a sleep apnea test done?
    what are the syptoms and what does the test involve

    • ANSWER:
      My 4 year old son had a sleep apnea test done about a year ago.
      The symptoms are: Snoring, turning and tossing, tired and sleepy next day, can't seem to concentrate and irritability. (my son experience all of this but the lack of concentration, he was very smart even though he would stop breathing from 3 -30 seconds 100 times per night! At least that's what the test result said). All these thanks to sleep deprivation do to the fact that your adenoids (a gland that is behind your nose and that it is part of your lymphatic system) grows more than normal due to some kind of allergies. This glands are so enlarge that blocks the air ways preventing breathing for seconds and even minutes, putting the person at risk of death. People who suffer from this, as they age tends to suffer from high blood pressure and heart problems and are at high risk of heart attack.

      The test consist of an all night test. They put some wires stuck in your head and body (this doesn't hurt) they put something in your nose to read how long and how much you stopped breathing during your sleep.
      I went with my son and the place where you stay over night is usually very private. It looks and feel like a hotel room (at least the one I went with my son) you might want to find out if it is like that where you are planning to have yours.
      If you do come out positive they may prescribe some allergy nose spray and/or pills, or you might go for surgery. It is very short, it usually lasts like 15-20 minutes. They may remove the adenoids and/or tonsils. I refuse to have my son's tonsils removed because he had never had a tonsil infection in his life. The doctor told me that it is advisable because adenoids tends to grow back. So they back up by removing the tonsils. Anyway, I did not allow his tonsils to be removed and till this day my son can breath. The doctor that attended my son was very nice and understanding, and he told me that the adenoids are not removed completely because the the patient will speak with a stuffed nose for the rest of their lives. So they only trimmed his adenoids. Now my son wakes up refreshed, ready for another day, thank God for that!

      I hope you find this information useful!
      Good luck to you!

34. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea test?
    My doc wants me to have a sleep study done for sleep apnea, he suspects I have it, I don't think I do, but to rule it out, i will have it done--if my HMO covers it. Has anyone had one done in San Antonio and what is it like? I know they put electrodes all over you. How in the heck can you sleep like that?
    yes, i know i have to do it, my doc has been right before, and that's what i pay him for, to keep me well. I have much to live for, namely 2 kids, 18and 4, and a Mom who lives with me and a sister and kids who need help from time to time. I hope i don't have it but if i do, at least they can catch it early.

    • ANSWER:
      if you have sleep apnea you will never know but if your doctor says so, do it . there are 3 test of which i took (nothing big believe me) the first test they put a box on your waist to register the impulses on a 24 hour basis.
      the second test they put the same little machine for 5 hours at nightime only while you are sleeping it registers your apnea points.
      and last and not least they had me go to the hospital and sleep 4 5 hours while they were registering my apnea.
      but if you can cure it sweetheart do it know because it can get dangerous.

35. QUESTION:
    I had apnea/sleep apnea once and 2 time minor and a doctor is requestin a EEG awake and asleep test shoud i go
    I dunno but it seems weird how since i had that apnea thing once and other 2 times minorly and now the "doctor" is asking to come take an EEG AWAKE AND ASLEEP test thing. I feel perfectly fine and sleep really good. I havent had apnea fur awhile. Should I go? *They are Chinese doctors I kinda trust non-chinese no offense xD

    • ANSWER:
      You 'had' sleep apnea? How would you know it's stopped? You have it when you sleep. It's not like you are conscious and can see if you stop breathing. Just because you sleep throughout the night doesn't mean it isn't happening.

      Sleep apnea kills people. Of course you should go for the tests. Chinese or not, he went to medical school and passed.

36. QUESTION:
    what should i expect if i am going to a sleep clinic for sleep apnea testing?
    what if i cant sleep because of all the weird machines atached to me and the weird environment? what are u suppsoed to bring? what if you have to pee in the middle of the night? are there ppl monitoring you in the night or just machines?

    • ANSWER:
      Have had several sleep studies as well as have worked in a sleep lab. It is different sleeping in the lab but the lab is set up like a hotel room. Most people do ok.

      You arrive around 8-9 pm. Fill out paperwork. Put on PJ (sweats are fine) Then the tech will hook up the wires. You have an EEG, EKG, wires on your face and on your lower legs. There is also a snore mike and a flow sensor like an oxygen cannuala. The wires are bundled together and plugged into a small box about the size paperback book. This box gets plugged into an outlet in the wall. There is also a camera in the room to monitor you. The techs are in another room closeby. There is also an intercom. If you need to go to the bathroom, you just signal the tech. They will come in and unhook the box from the wall and you will take it into the bathroom with you. It is no big deal. Everyone generally goes to the bathroom at least a couple of times a night.

      The techs will wake you up around 5 am and unhook you. Often they have breakfast available. Most have a shower if you have to go to work. I generally just go home.

      To get the EEG stuff out of your hair, use a washclothe and wipe as much as you can and comb it out. When showering, wash your hair with conditioner prior to washing your hair or the combo shampoo like pert. this seems to help get the goop out of your hair.

      What to bring includes your insurance info, copay, tolietries, a pillow if you wish, something loose and comfortable to sleep in, slippers if you normally wear them, any medications, a book to read while waiting if you want. The room usually has a tv.

      Any more questions let me know.

37. QUESTION:
    I receive 40% during my first evaluation. I think if I an MRI on my back or did the sleep apnea test my?
    rating would be different.
    Why was'nt tested for those thing during my intial eval?

    • ANSWER:
      What the heck are you talking about?

38. QUESTION:
    Having a sleep test, Is sleep apnea very serious?
    My doctor thinks that I might have constructive sleep apnea. My adenoids are blocking the passage way to my lungs. Has anyone ever had this kind of issue and how was it solved? Did you need surgery? I think this is usually more common with kids right? I'm having all my tests done within the next two weeks and going to see the doctor again, but wanted to hear some info first hand. 31 year old male, not overweight.

    thank you,
    Nolan

    • ANSWER:
      Hey Nolan,

      Yes, sleep apnea can be very serious. It can cause injury, disability, and death. The word apnea actually means (In Greek) "Without breath". And no, it is not just in kids at all. It can affect anyone, any age, weight, race, sex, etc.

      There are three types of apnea, obstructive (I believe this is the one you have), central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive is the most common. However, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.

      There are different ways to treat it, along with surgery. Most surgery's are outpatient procedures. So Nolan, keep your appointments for the testing and such. Your Doctor will know after testing which option in your treatment will be best for you.

      Hope all goes well, good luck!

      Take care!

39. QUESTION:
    Is sleep apnea something everyone should be tested for?
    I read that sleep apnea is a very serious condition that can kill you and that many people have it and don't know it. I also heard it is related to Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart Conditions, Snoring and Obesity. I don't want any of these things! Is there a test I can take to be sure I'm not at risk?

    • ANSWER:

40. QUESTION:
    I'm getting a sleep study done to test for sleep apnea....?
    How come my test is from 7:30pm Friday till 2:30pm Saturday?!? Also what can I expect???
    Is over 12 hrs normal for this type of test??

    • ANSWER:
      My guess would be that after your sleep study they have you scheduled for an MSLT ( Multiple Sleep Latency Test ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_Sleep_Latency_Test

      You're Doctor must have a feeling that you may be experiencing symptoms of Narcolepsy rather than Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Although you have to be tested for both for the results to be through.

      Normally a typical Sleep Study is over by about 5:30am-6am or so. The extra time is set up for the MSLT test, if the night study shows that you do indeed have OSA, then you will not need to stay for the MSLT. If you stay for the MSLT, they will have you take 5 naps throughout the day, they want to see how quickly you will fall asleep and if you enter REM sleep during these naps.

      When you arrive for your study, expect to be nervous, everyone is lol. They will hook up around 24 wires to your scalp & face using a soft paste, no pain involved in this at all. You should have two belts, one around your waist and one around your upper chest. A couple wires taped to your legs as well. You may have a nasal cannula on as well, this will monitor your airflow, which helps the techs watch for obstructions. Sounds like a lot, its not that bad, very easy and pain free. It may take a few mins to get used to the wires.

      Hope you do ok, remember to ask questions about anything you see or have concerns over, the staff will ( or should be ) more than happy to answer your questions.

41. QUESTION:
    test for sleep apnea
    Does anyone know where I can be tested for sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Most major hospitals have sleep labs. There may be sleep clinics out there too. If you are overweight and you snore loudly and stop breathing periodically then bingo! You probably have it. If your spouse can stay up to listen to you snore it isn't hard to tell if you have spells of apnea, which isn't a trivial problem as it can lead to heart problems and other serious medical conditions.

      What they do is wire you up so they can track your brain waves, your eye movements and your breathing. I was quite a sight when I did it. Two nice old Polish ladies monitored me overnight at the hospital. Insurance will often pay for it if you are diagnosed with daytime sleepiness. It took one night to establish that I had sleep apnea and then another night to determine the best settings for the bipap machine I got. It takes some getting used to the hose, the mask, and the compressor and all that but I do sleep better now.

42. QUESTION:
    This Doctor told me I had severe Sleep Apnea, Because My neck is 20 inches, but He couldn't even test me unles?
    I marked 2 or more symptoms on the questionaire. That just doesn't make any sense, guidelines say you have to have 2 or more of the following symptoms:

    * Excessive daytime sleepiness.
    * Waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling tired, and experiencing personality changes.
    * Morning or night headaches. About half of all people with sleep apnea report headaches.2
    * Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night.
    * Swelling of the legs.
    * Getting up during the night to urinate (nocturia).
    * Sweating and chest pain while you are sleeping.

    Symptoms of sleep apnea that others may notice include:

    * Episodes of not breathing (apnea), which may occur as few as 5 times an hour (mild apnea) to more than 50 times an hour (severe apnea). How many episodes you have determines how severe your sleep apnea is.
    * Loud snoring. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea.
    * Restless tossing and turning during sleep.
    * Nighttime choking or gasping spells.

    I snore, so does a lot of people I know, not that loud tho. Well I gave in and said yes to a couple of more just so he could test me for sleep apnea. My wife who sleeps next to me every night told him that i didn't have any of these symptoms and she never notice me stop breathing or grasping at night. But the Doctor says I have severe sleep apnea just by examining my neck and throat. He says I stop breathing 40 times a night.

    Well the Question is - Can anyone tell me why this doctor think I have severe SLeep Apnea just because of my neck size, when i suffer from none of the symptoms in the questionnaire? He had me lie on my questionnaire so I could take the test.
    Kat - I have no symptoms - except I snore and I don't even snore loud.

    • ANSWER:
      A larger neck is often associated with sleep apnea. But to actually diagnose someone because of that and even guessing "severe apnea where you stop breathing 40 times a night/an hour" seems impossible. You need to take a real test where doctors examine you while you are sleeping to get a real diagnosis. You should definitely see another doctor, or at least get tested.

      What are your symptoms?

43. QUESTION:
    my friend has to go to a sleep clinic to test for sleep apnea - what should he expect?

    • ANSWER:
      They will put wires on his head, near his nose, near his eyes, on his legs, and on his chest. He wont be allowed to watch tv, listen to music etc. He'll lay down and attempt to fall asleep. The wires will record his breathing, or if he stops breathing, his heart rate, his eye movements during REM sleep, and his leg movements. Either half way through the night or more likely, on a second night, he'll go back to the lab and get wired up again. This time they will put a CPAP mask on his face. The CPAP mask forces air (not oxygen as another poster said) up his nose. This prevents him from stopping breathing. While he's asleep, they will adjust the air pressure until it stops his snoring.

44. QUESTION:
    i'm 30yrs 35 wks pregnant having hrt palpitations and dizziness had test done came back normal what to do?
    I am having trouble sleeping i wake up gasping like i stopped breathing had sleep apnea test done normal results having heart palpitations and dizziness. i feel like giving up. The docs don't seem to take me serious. I am miserable and feeling so hopeless. I worry and i know anxiety causes alot of symptoms but i feel like it's more than just anxiety. Had heart test done in er and they were normal.

    • ANSWER:
      I used to get that all the time when i was pregnant. Its cuz your blood pressure (or sugar cant remember which) drops. Drink alot of water and it will go away.
      This is the roughest time in the pregnancy (i find) but it will be over soon. Hang in there =)

45. QUESTION:
    why am i tired not so tired to sleep but i had a test for slleep apnea i just feel drained?

    • ANSWER:
      Maybe you're not sleeping soundly. To feel rested, you have to go through several levels of sleep, including REM. If you toss and turn, you may not ever get to the restorative deep sleep of level 4. You may also have a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

46. QUESTION:
    Having sleep problems but passed Sleep Test for Sleep Apnea?
    I had surgery and was advised that my oxygen levels dropped multiple times when I was put to sleep. They advised me that maybe I have sleep apnea and to look into it.

    Reviewed by two Doctor's due to my sleep and other issues that I may have sleep apnea. I have a small airway and apnea like symptoms.

    Took Sleep Study: Tech said that my oxygen levels did not drop nor did I stop breathing during the night but I snored very loud.

    My symptoms have been: Loud Snoring, consent mild headaches, irritable, fatigue, mental sharpness declining and concentration/absorption of info not as quick. Plus, my father has sleep apnea and is being treated for it.

    The tech said it is possible my snoring maybe waking me up but he was not sure. He said that I need to schedule my Post-Exam appointment to find out more on my results.

    So I guess my question is what could be causing my issues based on my symptoms if I do not have Sleep Apnea?

    • ANSWER:

47. QUESTION:
    Can being overweight cause sleep apnea?
    I have a pretty big belly up high between my rib cage,,is that causing me to test like it's sleep apnea? My doctor sez there's a 25% chance that it's testing as sleep apnea.

    • ANSWER:
      Yeah, I've got the same problem. I just got tested the other night and the tech said it could have been my weight. So if we lose weight maybe we can do without the machine at night.
      God bless and help you.

48. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea: My husband stops breathing 32 times every single hour?
    How bad is that on a scale of those with sleep apnea.

    His test results read he stops breathing 32 times every hour that's about every two minutes...can you get any worse than that?

    I just want to make sure he is telling me all that he needs to tell me.
    He doesn't use the machine. He has only been tested....nothing given to him yet.

    • ANSWER:
      sick answer first, so just laugh. : if his insurance is paid up, it would be better if he breathed once in the hour.

      real answer: sounds bad, this might cause brain damage so get him to keep on top of the doctor to get the meds or machine he seems to need.

      sorry, i thought u should laugh first!

49. QUESTION:
    Does sleep apnea cause tiredness every day?
    I'm tired most of the time even with plenty of sleep. My doctor is going to test me for sleep apnea. I can go some days without being tired. But more days extremely tired.
    I have been going through this for more then a year.

    • ANSWER:
      Excessive tiredness in daytime is a symptom of sleep apnea. You should worry if you have this problem for a couple of weeks, even if you think you slept well at night. The nice thing is that you're going to take the sleep test. This is the best thing you can do. You will know exactly what is your problem, what is your cause of your tiredness.

50. QUESTION:
    Is there an alternative sleep apnea diagnosis method other than an overnight sleep study?
    I believe I have sleep apnea, but because I am currently in a residential treatment program, I am unable to go to an overnight sleep study.
    Is there an alternative method with which I can be tested for sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Not one that would be recognized by an insurance company.

      Have a friend watch you sleep. If you repeatedly stop breathing for 15-20 or more seconds, then you probably do have sleep apnea. More prevalent with snorers.