Sleep Apnea Tests

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:
   can sleep apnea tests be wrong?
   about a year ago i took a sleep apnea test, and it said i didn't have it. but i have all of the symptoms: Limb jerking, punching, kicking, loud snoring, cessation of breathing, excessive daytime irritability, daytime fatigue, memory problems, poor concentration skills, A.D.D. symptoms, and loss of motivation and loss of motor skills. so what i want to know is could the doctors have been wrong when they tested me? or am i wrong? i also slept over at one of my friends houses, and i didn't tell him anything about it. but in the morning, he said exactly, "dude, did u know you dont breath when you sleep?". and thats 1 of the main symptoms of sleep apnea. hes also told me i have a really bad memory... and ive noticed all of these things too.

   • ANSWER:

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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!

8. 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!

9. QUESTION:
   Sleep Apnea?
   I have sleep apnea, I took a sleeping test about two years ago and I just took another one 3 weeks ago.
   How can I tell which of the test was worst?
   Thanks
   Jose

   • ANSWER:
     You should ask who ever gave you the tests? You might need a machine to help you breath better at night. A real sleep disorder clinic would help you out.

10. 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.

11. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea, sleep disorders,sleep tests?
    i had apnea of infancy when i was first born and was in the hospital for 3 months. after that i slept on an inclined bed with a monitor for a year. im 22 now and i have always talked and walked in my sleep but it is hard for my bf to sleep with me yelling profanities and screaming. i was wondering if anyone knew if there is a link between the infancy problem and now. I also jerk alot in my sleep and sometimes wake up because i "forget" to breathe. my bf says i talk a few times a night. I just want to know if anyone has any things in common and what the treatments would be

    • ANSWER:
      It does sound like you still have sleep apnea. The only way to get diagnosis and treatment is to have your doctor refer you to a sleep center. They will monitor your breathing and sleep patterns and diagnose any sleep disorders. If it is sleep apnea, they will prescribe a CPAP machine and determine the setting you need to control it. A CPAP machine does not produce oxygen. It just uses forced air to keep your airways open (prevent them from collapsing) while sleeping. I have sleep apnea diagnosed about two years ago. My face mask is very comfortable and I sleep so much better. I actually feel like I have slept when I wake up. Also my husband is so much happier now that I am quiet at night. I don't disturb him anymore either. It only took a couple of nights to get used to the mask and the machine itself is very quiet. No problem at all.

12. 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.

13. 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!

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. QUESTION:
    Could sleep apnea caused by enlarged tonsils effect my running?
    I was just diagnosed with possible sleep apnea due to large tonsils and adenoids. My sleep test could not be scheduled until after my first two meets and the results will not come until the fifth one. So I was wondering if either the apnea or the tonsils and adenoids would effect my running and decrease my times. I run the 2 mile. Thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      Your large tonsils are probably more of a concern since it's lymph tissue and in generally swells up because of illness such as a bacteria infection or strep throat. Tonsils are suppose to shrink in size as you grow older. If they are becoming larger than it's best to see a throat, nose specialist. Good health.

18. QUESTION:
    Affordable Sleep Apnea Testing?
    Hello, my name is christopher brooking and recently my mother was told she needs to be tested for sleep apnea. Well she called and asked how much it would cost for the tests to be done. They told her it was going to cost around 00.00 just for the First test and thats not counting the doctors enterpratation few which is around 9.00. Ok, they also said that if the first test came back with anyhting it she would have to take another test that would cost more like around 00.00 and ofcourse the doctors few of 9.00. Now her medical insurance that she has will cover 75% of the costs. Now I know that seems like a good deal but to someone who makes only 00.00 a month that is a hugh bill. Not to mention all the other bills we have and that fact that i'm unemployed waiting to hear back from disablity which is taking a long long time. We just do not have the money and she is not getting a good nights sleep and she is always tired and falls alsleep just sitting at the dineing room chair and i've caught her falling asleep on the tolet and even with a lit cigerrette. I know she needs to have this study done and I know we cant afford it. My question is , is there any grants out there or anything that can help my mother get the medical care she needs? I love her death and I know she can not keep going like this. She also has cronic deginarative arthritious all up and down her spine. She is in constant pain and that also does not help her sleep. She is also in need of having the tens unit and we dont know if we can afford for to have that done of not either. If theres anyhting that can help please let me know. :

    • ANSWER:

19. QUESTION:
    What scientific tests would a doctor perform to find out if a person died of sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      I do not like to argue but apnea DOES NOT mean that you necessarily WAKE UP ALIVE! CERTAIN forms of apnea, and people, unable to awaken themselves and manually breath, maybe accidentally to-much sleeping medication .... will not be aware that they are not breathing and DIE! It if determined as basal cause in the autopsy! In infants it does happen more often before the nervous system has fully developed. SID is just another name for the same condition of suddenly stopping breathing!

      AUTOPSY IS THE ONLY INSTRUMENT LEFT TO MEDICINE.

      Which is essentially stopping breathing.

      The only reason I say this is that I was hospitalized and sedated under emergency conditions. I stopped breathing, three times, once where they notified my wife, THEY FELT as though I would of not started on my own! It was their theory, and this HARD-HEADED 60 YEAR OLD WAS , KINDLY DIRECTED TO A SLEEP CLINIC AFTER ESCAPING FROM THE HOSPITAL BY HIS WIFE !

      I HAVE RE-GAINED 20 YEARS, ACCIDENTIALLY LOST 50 POUNDS AND HAVE A NEW LEASE ON LIFE THROUGH THE USE OF A CPAP MACHINE!

      I WAS SAVED BY MY WIFE AND A MACHINE, I LIVED POORLY UNDER UNDUE STRESS FOR ALL-THOSE-YEARS. I WOULD BE ON A TABLE WITH SOMEONE CUTTING ME OPEN LAST YEAR SOME TIME. CPAP MACHINES WORK MIRACLES

      HAVE A GOOD DAY!

      APS

20. 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.

21. 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

22. 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!

23. QUESTION:
    How are small children tested for sleep apnea?
    I can't see the same testing being used for adults in children....
    I don't know any toddler that would be alright with all that stuff hooked up to them, or them being able to leave it alone.
    Is it the same?
    Also, how is it treated in children?

    I am googling it, although I'm having some trouble finding the information I need for children.

    • ANSWER:
      I'm assuming they'd test a child the same way they test an adult by doing a sleep study test. They hook them up to machines and monitor them while they sleep.

24. 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!

25. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea???
    last night i noticed my husband gasping for air in his sleep. We went to the doctor today and they said they need to do some tests on him to see if he has sleep apnea. He is 37 years old, and in excellent health. He doesnt smoke, exercises every day and eats healthy. If it turns out he has sleep apnea what kind of changes will we have to make? I dont know much about this condition but im very scared at the thought of the one i love having it. Ive heard of people dying from this. Im so worried, any info would be appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      Don't worry. About the only change you might have to make is his sleeping with a little mask over his nose.
      Your reward will be a energetic, well rested husband.
      Other than that, there are no changes other than long life.

      Note: After reading other answers, I feel the need to clarify that this a serious, deadly condition IF not treated.
      During apnea, the heart races, trying frantically to pump blood that has no oxygen in it (as it normally would) to the brain and other organs. This can cause a heart attack while asleep. This was often referred to as "passing peacefully in their sleep".
      Another dangerous side effect of sleep apnea, IF not treated, is falling asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle while driving. It is a common complaint and is often what finally makes a person seek help.
      Sleep apnea robs a person of the much needed REM state of sleep( rapid eye movement) and builds a huge sleep debt that can manifest itself in other physical and emotional ways.
      It sounds as though you may have apprehended it before it got out of hand. With the use of a cpap machine or other treatment, all of the above can be avoided. Other than sleeping with the cpap, life is normal, often better than normal.
      Sleep apnea is a very serious and life threatening condition if not treated. Many do not realize the severity of it nor do they really believe it is dangerous. BUT IT IS EASILY TREATED!

26. QUESTION:
    Can you improve performance of the sleep apnea CPAP machine on your own, without docs' help?
    My brother has been prescribed the CPAP and can't tell much difference in his sleep. He is due to go for a checkup to the sleep clinic and doesn't want to tell them this because he's afraid they will make him go through another 00 worth of sleep tests to adjust settings or something.

    So if he can make the CPAP thing work better without having to tell the docs, it will help his health and checking account. Anybody know about this?

    Thanks =D

    • ANSWER:
      Some doctors will just up the pressure based on the symptoms. They can also use what is called an autopap. The cpap sense what the body needs and give the proper pressure. That can be his nightly machine or the DME company can loan it for a week to see what the setting should be.

      Also if he just started, it may take a few weeks to a month to see any results.

27. QUESTION:
    What type of doctor should you see to be tested for sleep apnea?

    What's the name of the specialist?
    I don't need a referral with my insurance.

    • ANSWER:
      You need to start with a General Practitioner or Internist who can refer you to a specialist.

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

    • ANSWER:

29. QUESTION:
    I recently posted a question about Sleep Apnea?
    My boyfriend was sent by his job to get tested for sleep apnea. I forgot to mention that when he was in his early 20's he was in a fight, and had is nose broken. One of his nasal passages is narrower than the other, and when he snores, a loud sound comes from the narrower nostril. Could his snoring be because of this, and not sleep apnea? I know that he doesn't stop breathing while he sleeps. Could it possibly be a deviated septum?

    • ANSWER:
      Not all snoring is due to sleep apnea; it's most likely related to the nose trauma.
      However, the only way to know for sure is to have a sleep study done.

30. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea testing.?
    My dr has referred me for a sleep apnea test. It's at a sleep clinic connected to a hospital. Have you had any testing at a sleep clinic? What shoudl I expect?

    • ANSWER:
      I have sleep apnea and I sleep using a continuious positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Your doctor should have explained what sleep apnea is. Apnea just means "absence of respiration" when you sleep. If you are not breathing your oxygen level can drop and can cause problems with heart rhythm, blood pressure problems and a lack of oxygen to the brain. Snoring is caused by the soft tissue in your upper airway relaxing and partially obstructing your airway. This can also drop your oxygen level.
      First, when you arrive at the sleep center, you may have to watch a video or read material explaining what sleep apnea is and other sleep disorders. The sleep tech will explain what they are going to do and will begin attaching wires and patches to your scalp to monitor your EEG (brainwaves) attach EKG patches to monitor your heart and will attach a device to your finger called a pulse oximetry to monitor your oxygen level. They will attach a tiny device in front of your mouth to measure air flow. You might attach a microphone to record your snoring. Next, expect a elastic wrap to be placed around your chest and abdomen to measure your chest rise and fall during respiration. You will also have leads attached to your legs with elastic to measure leg movements as some people have "restless leg syndrome" that wakes them up. All of these leads are connected to a computer for the tech to monitor while you sleep. The tech will be able to see how severe your sleep apnea is and will "score" your test to show to the sleep doctor. If you have sleep apnea and meet certain requirements you will need to come back a second night to be hooked up again. This time you will be also fitted with a mask device and put on a CPAP or a BiPAP machine. The tech will see what optimum pressure of air that you need to keep you airway open to allow you sleep. There are no painful procedures done. I have had my machine for 5 years and I will not sleep without it.

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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.

34. QUESTION:
    I have a question about Sleep Apnea Testing.?
    My boyfriend is a truck driver, who worked for a company for 14 yrs. Now they say it is mandatory that ALL drivers be tested for sleep apnea. So far, they've only sent overweight drivers, (he's in that category) to be tested. My boyfriend does snore, but then again, who doesn't. I'm sort of a night owl, and I've heard and seen him sleep. The testing center said that he stops breathing while sleeping. I don't believe this to be true. He never had trouble sleeping before. Now all of a sudden, they say he has sleep apnea. Not only him, but ALL the other overweight drivers at his company. How is it possible that ALL the drivers have sleep apnea? Why weren't the average weight drivers tested? Is this a weight discrimination to replace overweight drivers?

    • ANSWER:

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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:

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. QUESTION:
    I have a very serious case of sleep apnea. I have gone thru 5 overnight tests?
    After those 5 sleep studies Dr. Bond told me that I was untrearable. He had used MANY different masks, also using oxygen. I was told the average person with apnea stops breathing somewhere between 5 to 15 per hour. On my first test that number was 69, and has varied between 55 to 75 thru those 5 tests. DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A HIGHLY REGARDED SPECIALIST ON APNEA somewhere relatively close to Williamsburg, VA. My doctor, Thompson Bond, is well qualified, but I'm desperate to be able to get some sleep at night. If the present pattern holds, I probably won't last the year out. THAT'S DESPERATE.

    Dick Milhizer // rmilhizer@cox.net

    • ANSWER:
      It sounds like you may have central apnea versus the more common obstructive apnea. Central sleep apnea usually occurs in people who are seriously ill. For example, it can occur in people with a variety of severe and life-threatening lower brain stem lesions. The brainstem controls breathing. As a result, any disease or injury affecting this area may result in problems with normal breathing during sleep or when awake.

      Conditions that can cause central sleep apnea include:

      Bulbar poliomyelitis
      Encephalitis affecting the brainstem
      Neurodegenerative illnesses
      Stroke affecting the brainstem

      Other causes include complications of cervical spine surgery, secondary radiation in the region of the cervical spine, severe arthritis and degenerative changes in the cervical spine or the base of the skull, or primary hypoventilation syndrome.

      There is a form of central sleep apnea that commonly occurs in people with congestive heart failure. Finally, idiopathic central sleep apnea is when the apnea is not associated with another disease.

      If you are not seeing a pulmonary specialist, then do so immediately. If you are seeing a pulmonary specialist, perhaps a referral to a neurologist would be another option. Don't give up. There is an underlying cause, but it is going to take a concerted effort to locate it.

      He isn't in your area, but perhaps you could contact Dr. Daniel J Gottlieb (Boston University) He is an expert in sleep apnea and is a pulmonologist. Perhaps he could consult on your case. Just a thought. Good luck.

41. QUESTION:
    Where can I obtain machine for obstructive sleep apnea in Thailand?
    Have been diagnosed with osa following sleep test at bangkok pattaya hospital in Pattaya. Need now to obtain automatic machine. Hospital cannot supply and their agencies are very slow.

    • ANSWER:
      I dont know exactly where you could get one in Thailand. My suggestion would be to try and get one online. If you have a prescription for one it should not be a problem. Try looking up Durable Medical Equipment Providers Online and see what you can find. You can also try Cpap.com. Respirionics and Resmed are both good units. Good luck.

42. 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!

43. 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.

44. 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

45. 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!

46. QUESTION:
    have any of you used a CPAP for sleep apnea?
    Did you ahver to have an overnight sleep test done at the hospital-and did your dr. of neurologist have to order it. Did Insurance give you a hassel. I am newely diagnosed but am on an oxygen converter and it does not help me sleep. I understand a CPAP does and would like to hear of your experience and if possible, the brand you use for the base unit and mask.
    this would be of such help to me in my old age.

    thank you for taking time to share with me.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi,

      If your new to using a CPAP mask for OSA it will be uncomfortable for a while and your body will repeatedly remove it during the night, usually without you knowing. As you get used to the mask over the first two weeks your body will become accustomed to the new addition. Being a CPAP user isn't a bad thing, most people (self included) report that after the first two weeks or so they sleep much better, wake up alert and refreshed. It will slowly become second nature and you will start to find you don't like to sleep without a CPAP. Some good resources are cpaptalk.com, cpap.com, http://sleepapnea.respironics.com/. I use a respironics full face mask and I am happy with it. At first I could only just fall to sleep with it on. Then I made it to 1.5 hours then a hour or two more, then I was up to 5 hours a night, now I can wake up with the mask on. Your CPAP (depending on what you have) will say how many hours you've used it, that way you can keep track of how long you kept it on. Most of the CPAP's shut off if you take the mask off. I don't know if all of them do that but mine does. Also, the mask really "seals" the deal if you know what I mean. Keep abreast of the masks that are available and ask your respiratory therapist if you can try something else. There are at least a dozen or more masks that may work for you. Also, try to live a healthy life, in some cases I have read people have been able to reduce their therapy pressures and even get off CPAP therapy. Anyways, if you have more questions feel free to ask. Keep at it!

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. QUESTION:
    SLEEP APNEA please help. I went through many tests to determine I have sleep apnea. However the numbers?
    of my apnea is not enough for insurance to cover my cpap machine.

    I wake up sometimes gasping for air. I am always so tired after sleeping 9-10 hours.
    The drs let me take home a CPAP during testing and I noticed a big difference during my awak hours. I had more energy. Now I am so tired.

    How can I get my insurance to cover this CPAP so I can live better?

    • ANSWER:

50. 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.