The Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea and Why Sleep Clinics Matter

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common but often overlooked condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked, usually by the collapse of soft tissue in the throat. Left without a diagnosis, sleep apnea can lead to daytime fatigue, cardiovascular complications, poor concentration, and decreased overall quality of life (WebMD 2024, “14 Ways Sleep Apnea Can Hurt Your Health”).

Recognizing the Signs

Many people live with sleep apnea for years without realizing it. Common warning signs include:

Loud, persistent snoring

Gasping or choking during sleep

Pauses in breathing observed by a partner

Morning headaches

Daytime drowsiness, fatigue, or irritability

Difficulty concentrating

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, the next step is seeking a professional diagnosis (Mayo Clinic 2023, “Sleep Apnea”).

How Diagnosis Works

Unlike other conditions that can be identified with a quick doctor’s visit, sleep apnea requires sleep testing. This can be done in two main ways:

At-Home Sleep Tests (HSTs):
A portable device is sent home with you to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate overnight. While convenient, HSTs may not catch every type of sleep disorder (Hopkins Medicine, “What to Know About an At-Home Sleep Test”).

In-Lab Sleep Studies (Polysomnography):
Conducted in a sleep clinic, this gold-standard test measures brain waves, oxygen levels, breathing, heart rate, and muscle activity. The controlled environment provides a comprehensive view of your sleep health (Cleveland Clinic 2023, “Sleep Study (Polysomnography)”).

Why Sleep Clinics Are So Important

While at-home tests can be a first step, sleep clinics play a crucial role in accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Here’s why:

Specialized Expertise: Sleep clinics are staffed by trained professionals, including sleep physicians and respiratory therapists, who interpret results with precision.

Comprehensive Monitoring: In-lab studies can detect other sleep disorders (like restless legs or narcolepsy) that may mimic or accompany sleep apnea.

Ongoing Support: Clinics often provide follow-up care to ensure your treatment is working, making adjustments to improve outcomes.

Taking the First Step

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, don’t wait. Talk to your primary care physician about your symptoms and ask for a referral to a sleep clinic. Getting tested is the first step toward better rest, improved health, and a higher quality of life.

At Sleepnet, we’re proud to build interfaces that support patients on their respiratory journey—helping them breathe easier, sleep better, and live healthier.