To accurately determine whether you are a Simple snorer or have underlying “Obstructive sleep apnoea” we may recommend a “sleep study”.
These tests are extremely valuable in diagnosing and treating many sleep disorders, including neurologic disorders, movement disorders and breathing disorders at night. These tests are recognized and covered by most healthcare insurers.
There are two broad types of sleep study and your surgeon will be able to advise you as to the best option for you.
- An ambulatory sleep diagnostic system that is suitable for home use
- A formal full sleep study (polysomnography) undertaken in hospital
Once the sleep study is completed, it is scored by and sent to a sleep specialist for interpretation.
Sleep studies are generally easy to tolerate, comfortable for patients, and give the sleep physician the information he/she needs to accurately diagnose and treat the sleep disorder.
Apnoea Graph sleep study
A newer sleep study device called an Apnoea Graph is now available. This has the added advantage of being able to help determine the actual level at which obstruction is occurring.
The study is completed in one single night. There is a small, soft catheter which is placed through the nose and into the gullet. This catheter will be connected to a data logger which collects information throughout the night. A pulse oxymeter is placed on a finger to measure the pulse rate and oxygen levels.
The Apnoea Graph is designed to detect when a patient stops breathing, wakes up or when changes in oxygen levels occur during the night. The following morning the data will be downloaded and analysed. Based on this, your Consultant will be able to advice you on the best treatment at your follow up appointment.
Patient Check List:
- Your sleep study set up will normally take place between 4.30-7pm and last approximately 30 minutes.
- Wear a loose fitting t-shirt or something you can sleep in. Once the Apnoea Graph is set up and positioned you will not be able to change for the night.
- Once the catheter is positioned and you return home, you may eat and drink normally without drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
- You will need to come back in the morning to have the Apnoea Graph removed, this will be at the earliest convenience to you and the Consultant.