Sleep apnea - polygraph

Respiratory Polygraphy – At-Home Sleep Disorder Diagnosis

The purpose of the test is to diagnose sleep disorders during the night at home in terms of:

• Air flow through the nose;
• Chest and abdominal muscle activity;
• Snoring;
• Blood oxygen saturation;
• Body position during sleep.

In typical cases, respiratory polygraphy is sufficient to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea and initiate treatment.

The patient is instructed in the use of the recording device. The test is completely safe and there are no contraindications to its use.

What does the test include?

The price of the test includes:

• Rental of the device,
• Instructions on how to use it from medical staff,
• Medical report and test result description by a doctor within 2 weeks.

What is sleep apnoea?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition in which the upper airway becomes blocked or narrowed, preventing air from passing through the windpipe during sleep, resulting in periodic pauses in breathing (apnoea) or shallow breathing.

Sleep apnoea reduces the oxygen saturation of the blood, leading to frequent (usually unintentional) waking. This causes daytime fatigue and other frustrating symptoms. Most episodes last 10–30 seconds, but some may last over 1 minute.

OSA is the most common type of breathing disorder during sleep. If left untreated, it increases the risk of life-threatening complications, including cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, arrhythmias, conduction disorders, heart failure, and stroke) and road traffic accidents due to drowsiness.

Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea include:

• Obesity (neck circumference: above 43 cm in men and above 40 cm in women);
• Anatomical abnormalities such as underbite, long uvula, enlarged tonsils, deviated nasal septum;
• Frequent upper respiratory tract infections, allergic rhinitis;
• Alcohol consumption (especially before going to sleep);
• Medications (e.g. sleeping pills, muscle relaxants);
• Genetic disorders (e.g. Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome) and other conditions such as hypothyroidism and sarcoidosis.

Obstructive sleep apnoea tends to become more common with age, but can also affect children.

Indications and Symptoms for Testing

The test is recommended in the presence of the following symptoms:

• At night (symptoms that can be observed by the patients or their partners):
  • Waking up frequently;
  • Stopping breathing (apnoea) during sleep;
  • Waking up with a feeling of shortness of breath, choking or breathlessness, anxiety;
  • Loud and irregular snoring;
  • Night sweats;
  • Heart palpitations;
  • Dry mouth on waking.
• During the day:
  • Tiredness, drowsiness or feeling of exhaustion;
  • Mood changes (depression and anxiety);
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering;
  • Headaches (often on waking);
  • Sexual dysfunction.

Preparation for the Test

• On the day of the test, do not drink stimulants (coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, alcohol) or take sedatives or sleeping pills, including herbal ones (unless taken regularly and advised otherwise by your doctor);
• Daytime naps are not recommended;
• Do not eat heavy or large meals;
• Being physically active on the day of the test may help you fall asleep;
• It is recommended that you sleep less the night before the test.

Contraindications

In most cases, there are no contraindications to the test. However, it is not recommended for patients with co-morbidities such as pulmonary diseases, neuromuscular disorders, and congestive heart failure. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

Test results are available within 2 weeks.

How to Book an Appointment?

1. To rent a device, select the city and Medicover Medical Centre, add the product to your cart and pay for the order.
2. After booking your appointment at the Medicover Medical Centre, a nurse will provide the device along with verbal or written instructions on how to prepare for the test.
3. The nurse can either apply the device in the medical office and give further guidance, or the patient can apply the device at home before sleep.
4. The following day, return the device to the designated medical office before 12:00 noon – no appointment needed.
5. The recording is then sent for analysis, and the final test report is provided within 2 weeks.
6. The test results can be discussed with a doctor during a paid follow-up appointment.