Why Getting Diagnosed Matters
Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and motor vehicle accidents. It also causes chronic fatigue that affects every aspect of daily life. The good news is that getting diagnosed is simpler and more accessible than ever — you do not necessarily need to spend a night in a sleep lab.
Step 1: Recognize the Symptoms
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed for years because its most obvious symptoms — pauses in breathing and gasping — happen while you sleep. Common warning signs include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate time in bed
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability or mood changes
- Frequent nighttime urination
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
If you or your bed partner notice several of these symptoms, it is worth discussing a sleep evaluation with your doctor.
Step 2: Talk to Your Primary Care Doctor
Your first step is a conversation with your primary care physician. They will assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine whether a sleep study is appropriate. Many primary care physicians now routinely screen for sleep apnea given its strong links to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Step 3: Choose Your Sleep Study Type
There are two main types of sleep studies:
Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)
A home sleep test is a simplified device you wear in your own bed. It monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate overnight. HSATs are significantly less expensive, more convenient, and widely covered by insurance. They are appropriate for most patients with suspected moderate-to-severe sleep apnea and no significant complicating conditions.
In-Lab Polysomnography (PSG)
An in-lab sleep study conducted at a sleep center provides more comprehensive data including brain waves, leg movements, and detailed respiratory measurements. It is recommended for patients with complex medical conditions, suspected other sleep disorders, or when a home test is inconclusive.
Step 4: Get Your Results and Diagnosis
Your sleep study results will include your Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) — the number of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep. A score of 5–14 indicates mild sleep apnea, 15–29 moderate, and 30 or above severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Step 5: Discuss Your Treatment Options
Once diagnosed, you will discuss treatment options with your sleep physician. Treatments include CPAP, oral appliance therapy, positional therapy, weight loss, and in some cases surgery. Many patients prefer to explore oral appliance therapy — especially those with mild to moderate OSA or CPAP intolerance.
To explore oral appliance therapy, ask your physician for a referral to a dental sleep medicine specialist, or search the SkipTheCPAP directory to find a qualified provider near you who can evaluate your candidacy and coordinate with your physician.