Do you often wake up feeling tired, snore loudly or gasp for air during the night? You might be one of many Australians experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This common sleep disorder disrupts your breathing, leading to fragmented sleep and a host of health problems.
The good news is that a quick pre-screening sleep apnea test in Perth can help you improve your overall well-being.
Why is Testing Important?
According to the Sleep Health Foundation, people can recognise that their breathing while sleeping is not normal, but they do not understand that it may be a medical condition with negative health consequences. A surprising 40% of people with OSA also have insomnia.
Why live life with these potential problems when there are screening tools, diagnostic tests and treatments available?
Types of Sleep Apnea Tests
- Polysomnography (PSG) → In-lab sleep study, used for complex cases.
- Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) → Day-time sleep study that detects excessive sleepiness; used for narcolepsy concerns.
- Overnight Oximetry → Simple screening, but not a full diagnostic test. If oxygen levels drop frequently during sleep, it suggests a breathing disorder like sleep apnea.
- At-Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) → A diagnostic test that monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels and other sleep-related factors while you sleep at home.
- STOP-BANG Test → A screening tool to determine the likelihood of sleep apnea. Helps determine if further testing is needed.
Absolute Sleep offers the STOP-BANG Test right here.
This quick, free test consists of 8 yes/no questions based on Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure (high blood pressure), Body Mass Index (BMI), Age, Neck circumference and Gender.
Once you hit ‘submit’, you’ll receive an email containing your results and recommendations.
A high score suggests a greater risk of sleep apnea. Note that overweight people may score high even without sleep apnea, hence this pre-screening just indicates risk, not actually diagnosis.
Early diagnosis is crucial because untreated sleep apnea can significantly impact your health.
Some problems related to sleep apnea include irritability, fatigue, lack of concentration during work or driving, anxiety, depression, and more.
The Benefits of a Sleep Apnea Screening & Diagnostic Test
There’s no need to worry about a sleep apnea test. Some tests can even be done in the comfort of your own home, giving you valuable insight into the severity of your condition and the next steps to take. These non-invasive tests offer only benefits, helping to improve your health and well-being in countless ways.
- Improved Energy Levels: Addressing your sleep apnea will help you experience a significant boost in energy, reducing daytime fatigue and improving your productivity.
- Reduced Risk of Health Complications: A sleep apnea test allows you to decrease risks of serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Better Sleep Quality: Stop worrying and give yourself the gift of a proper diagnosis. This will lead to effective treatment and healthier sleep.
- Enhanced Mental Clarity: If you experience impaired cognitive function and difficulty concentrating, a sleep apnea test can help identify the cause and lead to proper treatment.
Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of your sleep and your overall health. Booking a sleep apnea test in Perth can kickstart better sleep for an improved quality of life.
Contact Absolute Sleep today and consult with our expert practitioners for screening options, advice and treatment of sleep apnea.
