Screening for Sleep Apnea – Different tests

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing pauses or becomes shallow during sleep. Sleep apnea screening is a test to determine if you are at risk for sleep apnea. The test is easy and only takes a few minutes.

Your health care provider may ask you to have this test in preparation for surgery or as part of a physical exam.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Snoring.
• Restless sleep.
• Daytime sleepiness.
• Pauses in breathing.
• Choking during sleep.
• Irritability.
• Forgetfulness.
• Trouble thinking clearly.
• Depression.
• Personality changes.

Most people with sleep apnea are not aware that they have it.

Why should I get screened?

Getting screened for sleep apnea can help:

• Ensure your safety. It is important for your health care providers to know whether or not you have sleep apnea, especially if you are having surgery or have other long-term (chronic) health conditions.
• Improve your health and allow you to get a better night’s rest. Restful sleep can help you:
  • Have more energy.
  • Lose weight.
  • Improve high blood pressure.
  • Improve diabetes management.
  • Prevent stroke.
  • Prevent car accidents.

How is screening done?

Screening usually includes being asked a list of questions about your sleep quality. Some questions you may be asked include:

• Do you snore?
• Is your sleep restless?
• Do you have daytime sleepiness?
• Has a partner or spouse told you that you stop breathing during sleep?
• Have you had trouble concentrating or memory loss?

If your screening test is positive, you are at risk for the condition. Further testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea.

Where to find more information

You can find screening tools online or at your health care clinic. For more information about sleep apnea screening and healthy sleep, visit these websites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/sleep/index.html  
• American Sleep Apnea Association: www.sleepapnea.org  

Contact a health care provider if:

• You think that you may have sleep apnea.

Summary

• Sleep apnea screening can help determine if you are at risk for sleep apnea.
• It is important for your health care providers to know whether or not you have sleep apnea, especially if you are having surgery or have other chronic health conditions.
• You may be asked to take a screening test for sleep apnea in preparation for surgery or as part of a physical exam.