Do I have sleep apnea? Self-check guide

Are you constantly tired, even after a full night's sleep? Do you wake up with headaches or a dry mouth? You might be dealing with sleep apnea, a common but often overlooked sleep disorder. Let's dive into what sleep apnea is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, why seeing a specialized sleep provider is crucial for your health and well-being.

Understanding sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more per hour. This disrupts your sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality and potential health complications.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by relaxation of throat muscles

2. Central sleep apnea: Caused by the brain failing to send proper signals to the breathing muscles

Recognizing sleep apnea symptoms

First, let's look at some common signs of sleep apnea. You might be experiencing:

1. Loud snoring

2. Gasping or choking during sleep

3. Excessive daytime sleepiness

4. Morning headaches

5. Difficulty concentrating

6. Mood changes or irritability

7. Night sweats

8. Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Remember, you don't need to have all these symptoms to have sleep apnea. Even a few of these signs might warrant a conversation with your doctor.

Studies show that up to 80% of moderate to severe sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed, so it's important to be aware of these symptoms ^[1].

The STOP-BANG questionnaire: a simple screening tool

One of the first steps in identifying sleep apnea risk is the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Here's what it covers:

• Snoring: Is your snoring loud?

• Tired: Do you often feel tired during the day?

• Observed: Has anyone noticed you stop breathing during sleep?

• Pressure: Do you have high blood pressure?

• BMI: Is your Body Mass Index over 35 kg/m²?

• Age: Are you over 50 years old?

• Neck: Is your neck circumference greater than 16 inches (40 cm)?

• Gender: Are you male?

Each "yes" answer scores one point. A score of 3 or more suggests a higher risk of sleep apnea and indicates that further evaluation might be necessary ^[2]. This is just a screening tool, not a diagnosis, but it can help guide your next steps.

Beyond snoring: other risk factors

While snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea, it's not the only indicator. Other risk factors include:

• Obesity, especially excess weight around the neck

• Family history of sleep apnea

• Smoking

• Chronic nasal congestion

• Certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism or acromegaly

Studies show that up to 20% of people with sleep apnea don't snore, highlighting the importance of being aware of other symptoms and risk factors ^[3].

Sleep studies: the path to diagnosis

If initial screening suggests you might have sleep apnea, the next step is usually a sleep study.

There are two main types:

Home Sleep Test

• Conducted in the comfort of your own home

• Suitable for straightforward cases

• Generally less expensive and more convenient

In-Lab Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

• Conducted in a sleep lab

• Provides more comprehensive monitoring, including brain waves and muscle activity

• Ideal for complex cases or when other sleep disorders are suspected

Both types of studies are effective for diagnosing sleep apnea. Home sleep tests have shown a a high sensitivity compared to in-lab polysomnography for detecting moderate to severe sleep apnea ^[4].  This means that home sleep tests are highly accurate in identifying sleep apnea cases, making them a reliable option for many patients.

(Not sure whether a home sleep test or a polysomnography is the right fit? Find your answers here!)

From suspicion to diagnosis: the process

If you're concerned about sleep apnea, here's what you can expect:

1. Consult your doctor: Discuss your symptoms and concerns.

2. Sleep study: Either at home or in a lab, as determined by your doctor.

3. Result interpretation: A sleep specialist will review your results.

4. Diagnosis and treatment plan: If sleep apnea is confirmed, your doctor will discuss treatment options, which may include lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, or other interventions.

The importance of addressing sleep apnea

Untreated sleep apnea isn't just about feeling tired. It can lead to serious health issues, including:

• Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke ^[5]

• Type 2 diabetes

• Liver problems

• Complications with medications and surgery

• Relationship and work performance issues

The good news is that with proper treatment under the care of a sleep specialist, many people see significant improvements in their sleep quality, daytime alertness, and overall health.

If you've recognized some of the symptoms we've discussed, don't wait. Reach out to a specialized sleep provider for a comprehensive evaluation. Your health and quality of life are worth it!