Why it is essential to take sleep test if you snore?

Snoring is never considered as a health issue. And, one of the main reasons for the ignorance is that in most cases people don’t know they snore until they are told so. Even if we get to know, we tend to ignore it, not knowing it can have serious implications on our health.

Actually, snoring can be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder, namely Sleep Apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep for several seconds, multiple times a night. As a result, the oxygen supply in the blood and subsequently to the brain, declines.

If sleep apnea is not managed, it increases the risk of health comorbidities like Type 2 Diabetes, High blood pressure, Stroke and Cardiac (heart-related) ailments. The problem is people are not very aware about Sleep Apnea, and its complications, if left untreated.

How to get Sleep Apnea diagnosed?

If you get to know that you snore, or you see any of your loved one snoring, then you must not ignore it. Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of Sleep Apnea. Other symptoms being early morning headaches, excessive daytime fatigue, poor concentration, depression or irritability and sleepiness during routine activities.

In case you see the symptom/s, it’s advisable to consult a sleep specialist. The specialist will assess your symptoms and sleep patterns to determine your risk. Depending on the severity of your condition, your physician will prescribe a sleep test to determine if you have Sleep Apnea. The test, done overnight, can either be performed at your home or a lab.

Adhesive sensors will be placed on your scalp, forehead, chin, chest, leg, and index finger to collect information from your brain, heart, lungs, and muscles. Bands may be wrapped around your chest and stomach to measure your breathing. Most people fall asleep and stay asleep without trouble. A sleep technician will collect this data while you sleep and wake you in the morning. Your doctor will review your results and work with you to develop a treatment plan, if necessary.

Getting a peaceful sleep with sleep apnea is now possible

Sleep Apnea is manageable. Post diagnosis of Sleep Apnea, the specialist may prescribe you CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, the gold standard of therapy for sleep apnea. The CPAP machine, consisting of a device, humidifier and mask, prevents the upper airway from getting obstructed during sleep by providing a gentle flow of air through the upper airway, allowing the patient to breathe freely and get sound, restful sleep.

The therapy prevents airway collapse and oxygen deficiency in the body, hence improving your quality of life and overall health.