Doctors Answers (6)
Sleep studies can be used to determine if snoring is associated with problems breathing during sleep, i.e. obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is important to identify because it is associated with a number of potential negative health consequences.
If the question is how to stop snoring, then the first step to be evaluated by a physician who specializes in snoring and sleep apnea disorders. The physician will then recommend if a sleep study is indicated. A sleep study will help determine if one has snoring only or if one has both a snoring and a sleep apnea condition. Sometimes the evaluation of one's condition will eliminate the need for a sleep study; and other times it will be clear that a sleep study is needed. The more information that is known about what is happening to one's body while sleeping, the better and more specific the treatment recommendation will be. The sleep study gives answers to those questions about one's blood oxygen level, heart rate, brain activity, body muscle movement such that the most informed recommendation can be given.
A sleep study will record your snoring and its effect upon your sleep architecture (the stages of sleep and the fragmentation of sleep). Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea which is also diagnosed during a sleep study. Prior to going to the sleep lab you should consult a physician who will order the test or recommend a sleep specialist who will order the sleep study. After the sleep test, there should be an official interpretation of all aspects of the study with recommendations for treatment. There are many facilities available to perform the test. Preferably, a sleep lab which is connected with a board certified sleep physician. A list of these labs may be found on the website of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Snoring is a part of sleep disordered breathing and not a benign thing. If is linked to worsening hypertension, carotid stenosis (increases risk for CVA) and if associatd with low blood oxygen (hypoxia) also linked to the sread and growth of cancerous tumors. To diagnose the severity of sleep disordered breathing as snoring is often linked to apneas in obese people an overngiht sleep study may be warranted. A CPAP mask or an oral appliance like a tongue retaining or mandibular advancement device will cure this problem. A local accredited sleep lab is is the best place to go for your diagnostic sleep needs.
A sleep study will help determine if you have sleep apnea. Once sleep apnea is treated, snoring should stop. Getting a sleep idea is a very good idea as it is the best way to know if you have sleep apnea or not. You can call around different labs in your area and can tour the facility to see where you would like to get one done.
A sleep study is the first step to assess what is causing your snoring. Look for a facility in your general area and make sure they do full overnight testing for your sleep disorder.
