How is Sleep Apnea diagnosed?

Sleep apnea may be diagnosed by a physician specialized in sleep disorders or a pneumologist using a test called polysomnography, and the evaluation of symptoms and observation. A prescription is required for this test. The test will be performed in a specialized laboratory and it consists mostly of registering sleep patterns during sleep cycles that will be interpreted by a pneumologist.

Following evaluation of your medical history and sleeping habits, Dr Carrière can prescribe a polysomnography test if required. Results will then be analysed by a sleep doctor who will determine if sleep apnea disorder is present and its severity.

Please note, several types of sleep apnea exist but obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. There is also, central sleep apnea, mixed sleep apnea , hypopnea, and simple snoring that can be diagnosed. Most of these disorders can be treated with a mandibular advancing device (MAD).