Often enough it is difficult to recognize a disorder like sleep apnea.  For patients who are under the impression that they suffer from this disorder, it is considered wise to keep a sleeping diary. You can do this by either taping the sounds you make while sleeping or involving your significant other to monitor and write down sleeping habits. When visiting a doctor bring the sleeping diary with you, this will help the doctor determine your condition. To determine the patient’s condition the doctor may also perform several tests such as an endosopy of the nose and throat, a CT scan or a thorough examination of the nose and mouth.

If the doctor is under the impression that the patient might suffer from a sleeping disorder, he or she will recommend an overnight sleep study in a sleep lab under the observation of a trained health care provider. Here the patient will undergo a polysomnography. A polysomnograph shows a patient’s brain activity, heart rate, eye movement and respiratory activity during sleep. This test will help to determine if the patient does or does not suffer from sleep apnea… and give hints as to the most effective of the sleep apnea treaments for that particular case.

The sleep apnea test is carried out in a sleep lab during the night, so that the most reliable results can be achieved. Electrodes on the chest, scalp and eyelids will send off messages to the health care provider. These electrodes will measure the time it takes for the patient to fall asleep and the time it takes to fall in REM ( Rapid Eye Movement ) sleep. Also, a video camera will monitor the patient’s movements. All these components will determine if and how often the patient stops breathing during the night.

It is important to avoid any alcohol or caffeine before the test as this may cloud the test results. After the polysomnography the right diagnosis will be determined and the patient will be informed on possible treatments.

There are certain tests which patients can do at home. However, these test results may be unreliable. It is highly advised to visit a doctor to be sure of the right diagnosis.