Do you wake up feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring? You might be wondering if sleep apnea could be the culprit. At Nivedita Nijhawan, DDS, in Fresno, CA, we understand that recognizing the signs is just the first step, and getting a proper sleep apnea diagnosis is essential for protecting your health and improving your quality of life.
Recognizing When You Need a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
The first question on many patients’ minds is, “How is sleep apnea diagnosed?” Before diving in, it’s important to understand the warning signs. Common symptoms include chronic snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. If you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, it’s time to talk to a healthcare professional about getting evaluated for sleep apnea.
Your dentist can actually be your first line of defense. During routine dental exams, Dr. Nivedita Nijhawan looks for oral indicators of sleep apnea, such as a large tongue, narrow airway, or worn teeth from grinding. If we notice these signs, we’ll recommend you pursue a formal diagnosis.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
The gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea involves monitoring your sleep patterns and breathing throughout the night. There are two main approaches to obtaining a sleep apnea diagnosis: an in-lab sleep study or a home sleep test.
In-Lab Sleep Study
A polysomnography, or in-lab sleep study, takes place at a specialized sleep center. During this overnight test, you’ll be connected to equipment that monitors:
- Brain waves and eye movements
- Heart rate and blood oxygen levels
- Breathing patterns and airflow
- Chest and abdominal movements
- Limb movements
While spending the night in an unfamiliar setting might seem uncomfortable, sleep technicians work to make you as comfortable as possible. This comprehensive approach provides the most detailed information about your sleep patterns and the severity of any sleep-disordered breathing.
Home Sleep Test
For many patients, a home sleep test offers a more convenient alternative. Your doctor will provide you with portable monitoring equipment that you’ll wear while sleeping in your own bed. These devices typically track your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate.
A home sleep test is generally recommended for patients with a higher likelihood of having moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and no other significant health conditions. While not as comprehensive as an in-lab study, it’s more accessible and often covered by insurance.
What Happens After Your Sleep Study?
Once your sleep study is complete, a sleep specialist will analyze the data and provide a detailed report. They’ll calculate your Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which measures how many times per hour your breathing stops or becomes shallow. An AHI of 5–15 indicates mild sleep apnea, 15–30 is moderate, and above 30 is considered severe.
With a confirmed diagnosis in hand, you can explore treatment options for sleep apnea that fit your lifestyle and severity level.
Your Partner in Sleep Apnea Treatment
At Nivedita Nijhawan, DDS, we work closely with sleep physicians to provide comprehensive care for our Fresno patients. Once you’ve received your sleep apnea diagnosis, we can discuss comfortable, effective treatment options, such as custom oral appliances that keep your airway open during sleep.
Don’t let sleep apnea continue affecting your health and daily life. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have questions about the diagnostic process, call our office at 559-224-1303 today. Getting diagnosed is the first step toward better sleep and better health.