What is a Sleep Apnea Test ?
Sleep apnea test is an overnight diagnostic process which helps a Dr to diagnose the presence or severity of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea test can be of different types and the selection of different types of test is done by the Dr.
Sleep Apnea test helps to identify the different parameters of sleep and factors which are affecting the quality/quantity of sleep.
Who Needs a Sleep Apnea Test?
If someone is facing symptoms like loud snoring , daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, lack of freshness even after 8-9 Hrs of sleep, urination during night, sleepiness while driving , anxiety and stress (specially in women) . Then person should consult a Dr and undergo for sleep apnea test.
Types of Sleep Apnea Test ?
- In lab sleep study : This type of sleep apnea test is performed in specific sleep labs or hospital premises. This is needed when a Dr wants to see some critical sleep disorders like central sleep apneas or other neurological sleep disorders.
- Home based sleep apnea test : This is home based sleep apnea test and mainly performed at home of the patient. This is most suited for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. Home based sleep apnea test is most commonly used diagnostic method.
- Overnight oximetry : This is done in some exceptional cases where In Lab or Home sleep apnea test is not possible. This can also be done for screening purpose. This can not be a diagnosis of sleep apnea but this can give initial screening and O2 level drop during sleep. Which can be correlated and sleep study can be done to diagnose sleep apnea.
What is OSA Sleep Study?
Any sleep apnea study test which is used to diagnose OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) can be considered as OSA sleep sleep study.
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What is the diagnosis process in different types of Sleep Apnea Test?
In lab study : Patient goes to sleep lab/hospital and device is hooked up on the body. Patient needs to sleep with the device. A technician might check the live status of sleep pattern and create the sleep study report.
Home based sleep apnea test : Technician visits the place of the patient and hooks up the device to patient. Sleep study equipment will record the data and report can be generated next day.
How Is a Sleep Apnea Test Performed?
Pre sleep apnea study test : Follow you routine like meal , medicine , exercise etc. if an evening coffee or alcohol is not part of your routine then avoid taking it. Clean you scalp (For Polysomnography) for a smooth application of electrodes.
Beginning of sleep apnea test : Technician will hook up machines which includes a belt on your chest & abdomen, cannula on your nostrils , Electrodes for EEG on your head, EMG,EOG,ECG and leg movements. When sleep apnea test machine is hooked up and ready to start recording then patient should go for sleep.
Completion of sleep apnea test : Once overnight recording is done in sleep apnea test equipment then technician will take back the machine and data will be analysed to create the report.
Report of sleep apnea test : Once the analysis is complete then a report of sleep apnea test is generated and shared with patient. Generally it takes 6 -12 Hrs to generate a report.
What Does the Sleep Apnea Test Measure?
Some key parameters which can be checked during home sleep apnea test –
| Parameter | Significance |
| AHI ( Apnea Hypopnea Index ) | Average breathing pause (completely/patially) per hour |
| Oxygen saturation | Level of oxygen during sleep and severity of drops due to apneas |
| Types of apnea | Different type of apnes i.e. Obstructive, Central ,Mixed |
| Sleep stages | Time spent in different stages of sleep like N1,N2,N3 (deep sleep) & REM |
| Sleep efficiency | How efficient was the sleep during test |
| Arousals | How many time patient woke up due to any disturbance in sleep |
| Sleeping positions | What was the distribution of sleep posture |
| Heart Activity | What was the rhytthm of heart during sleep |
| Leg Movements | Were there significant movements which were impacting sleep |
What are Types of Apnea diagnosed with Sleep Apnea Test ?
Sleep study test for sleep apnea can help in identifying different types of apnea i.e.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea : This is a condition when breathing airflow is ceased due to obstruction in airway and this is most common type of sleep apnea .
Central Sleep Apnea : This is a condition when there is a loss of neurological drive for breathing but airway remains open
Complex Sleep Apnea: This is an advanced form of central sleep apnea and rarely found
Home Sleep Apnea Test vs In-Lab Sleep Study : A Quick Guide
| Home Sleep Study | In Lab Study | ||
| Key Points | Level3 Sleep Study | Level 2 Sleep Study | Level 1 Sleep Study |
| Overnight Study | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PAP Titration | No | Yes | Yes |
| Key Parameters like AHI and SpO2 covered | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Detailed parameters like sleep stages, heart activity, leg movements covered | No | Yes | Yes |
| Convinient | Yes | Yes | Less convinient |
| Acurate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Technician Stay | Not Required | Required | Required |
| Cost | INR 2500-3500 | INR 7500- INR 10000 | INR 12000-INR 35000 |
Sleep Apnea Test Results : How a diagnosis is made?
When anyone undergoes sleep apnea test , there are some key parameters which are taken into consideration like AHI ( Apnea Hypopnea Index ) , O2 desaturation index , Heart activity, Limb movements , distribution of sleep stages etc.
Categorisation : For AHI, O2 desaturation, Arrhythmia, Limb movements
| Range | Severity |
| 0-5/Hr | Normal |
| 6-15/Hr | Mild |
| 16-30/Hr | Moderate |
| >30/Hr | Severe |
Sleep Staging : Sleep should be properly distributed in N1,N2,N3 and REM
If brain is not going or not spending enough time in N3 & REM then it might lead to lack of rest for brain
What is Sleep Apnea Test Cost ?
Cost of sleep apnea test might depend upon various factors. Cost of sleep apnea test or home sleep apnea test might vary on different factors like city, hospital based /home based test, sleep study equipment used , level of test etc. In general sleep apnea test may cost :
In lab sleep apnea study test price might cost INR 12000-INR 35000
Sleep apnea test at home might cost INR 2500-INR 3500 ( Level 3 Sleep Study ) & INR 7500-INR 10000 ( Level 2 Sleep Study /Polysomnography/PSG)
How to diagnose sleep apnea ?
Sleep apnea test confirms the number of breathing pauses during sleep. Sleep apnea test report shows the average breathing pauses per hour (AHI). Based on different AHI levels sleep apnea diagnosis can be made.
What Happens After Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea ?
Once sleep apnea home sleep study is done and diagnosis is made then Dr might suggest for treatment options like
Mandibular Advancement Device : A dental mouthguard which fixes the jaw and reduce chances of snoring and apnea
Surgery : Generally performed by an ENT surgeon, if anatomical factors are causing sleep apnea
CPAP Machine ( gold standard treatment ) : This is an electronic device which creates a positive pressure in airway during sleep and keeps the breathing airway open during sleep.
Benefits of Early Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Sleep is an essential part of human life and if sleep gets disturbed then it might lead to so many health complications like Hypertension, Diabetes , Stroke or Heart attack during sleep. If early diagnosis by sleep apnea test and treatment intervention with CPAP is done on time then so many health risks can be eliminated and overall quality of life can be improved.
Sleep Apnea Test FAQs
- Is overnight sleep apnea test is compulsory ?
Yes , overnight data in sleep apnea test helps to understand the sleep pattern better. It is suggested to do it for overnight.
- What is the cost of sleep apnea test in Delhi , Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad , Ghaziabad?
Home based Level 3 sleep apnea test might cost INR 2500 – INR 3500
Level 2 Sleep Study /Polysomnography test might cost INR 7500- INR 10000 in Delhi , Noida, Gurugram , Faridabad & Ghaziabad.
- Is sleep apnea test at home better ?
Yes , home sleep apnea test provides comfort of home and covers almost similar parameters as in lab sleep apnea study.
However your Dr is best judge to suggest you that which level of test you should undergo.
- What is the accuracy of Sleep Apnea Test ?
If sleep study test for sleep apnea is done with a good quality device then results are reliable and good with variation of 10-15%.
- What is the minimum duration required for sleep study /sleep apnea test ?
Minimum of 3-4 Hrs data is required to create a good interpretation of sleep apnea study.
- Is sleep apnea test at home a reliable option ?
Yes, overnight sleep apnea test at home is most preferred and convenient option considering the accuracy , home comfort & cost factors.
- How can I know more about my sleep apnea test results ?
You should consult your Dr for better understanding , however some key parameters like AHI is key marker of sleep apnea diagnosis . As per the guidelines if AHI is more tham 15/Hr then any form of treatment should be given.
- What are treatment options after sleep apnea diagnosis ?
Treatment options might vary based on the speciality of treating Dr . However there are mainly three types of treatment options available for sleep apnea –
Mandibular Advancement Device : A mouth guard which fixes the jaw during sleep , helpful in snoring or mild OSA cases
Surgery : Sleep apnea surgery is a procedure where extra tissues which are blocking the airway are removed thru surgery. Useful for moderate cases
CPAP/AutoCPAP : It’s a gold standard treatment and widely accepted. CPAP can be given to any category of patients i.e. Mild/Moderate/Severe
