You can probably guess why sleep disorders often go undiagnosed – or are misdiagnosed, in many cases. Unless you sleep next to someone, you may be completely unaware of the symptoms occurring throughout your sleep cycle. Unfortunately, the symptoms you are aware of during the day are generally broad and can point to other conditions (like depression). But, if sleep apnea is left untreated for an extended period of time it can lead to further health complications including issues with your heart and liver or even increasing your risk for diabetes. Begin fighting your fatigue by consulting with your dentist – if they suspect you’re suffering from a sleep disorder, a sleep study is likely in your future.
Understanding The Sleep Study
The most accurate way to perform a sleep study requires patients to stay the night in a lab or sleep center – although, the rooms more closely resemble the environment of a hotel room as opposed to a scientific lab creating a much more comfortable environment. Before falling asleep, you’ll be connected to several sensors that are will monitor various activities such as; brain waves, heart rate, oxygen level, and movement.
If you don’t present with any other medical conditions and are high-risk for sleep apnea, you may be a good candidate for an at-home sleep study. Similar to the study done in a lab, you’ll still be connected to a machine that records your vitals, but you’ll be in the comfort of your own home. However, this isn’t commonly recommended due to the complex process of diagnosing sleep apnea.
If you’ve been known to snore loud enough to wake the entire house, you could be suffering from a sleep disorder. Finding the right diagnosis and treatment to ensure that your body is receiving the right amount of oxygen throughout the entirety of your sleep cycle all starts with consulting your dentist.