Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
To determine the best route for treatment, UPMC sleep medicine specialists will:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Evaluate your medical history
- Perform a physical exam
Testing for sleep apnea
After completing an initial evaluation, we may recommend an overnight sleep study.
A sleep technician will apply sensors to your chest, abdomen, face, scalp, and legs. These sensors monitor brain waves to determine your stage of sleep.
While you sleep, the sensors also detect:
- Eye movements
- Heart rhythm
- Airflow from the nose and mouth
- Blood oxygen levels
- Muscle activity
An audio-visual camera will monitor your body movements and position, and any snoring.
If necessary, evaluations may be performed in the home with monitors that measure breathing and oxygen levels alone, or movement as an indicator of wake versus sleep with a device worn on the wrist.
Learn more about preparing for a sleep study at the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center.