Could You Have Sleep Apnea? Here’s How a SleepTest.com Study Can Help
If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, a home sleep study is an excellent and easy way to obtain a diagnosis.
The Convenience of Home Sleep Tests
Worried about having to visit a lab for a sleep study? With a home sleep test, you can get tested right at home. We’ll send the sleep test kit directly to you, and you can take the test in the comfort of your own home. If the results indicate that sleep apnea is a concern, we’ll connect you with a local dentist from our network who can fit you with a custom oral appliance, offering an easy and effective treatment option.
Recognizing the Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because it occurs while you’re sleeping. So, how can you tell if you might have it? Pay attention to common signs and symptoms such as:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom
- Waking up feeling tired
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty with memory or focus
- Irritability or depression
- High blood pressure
Read on for more detailed explanations of why some of these symptoms are likely indicators of sleep apnea.
“Excessive” Daytime Sleepiness Explained
It seems like everyone feels tired from time to time, but how do you know if your daytime sleepiness is excessive? Here are a few signs that your sleepiness might be a sign of sleep apnea:
- Needing caffeine in the afternoon
- Dozing off at work
- Falling asleep while driving
- Dozing off when reading or watching TV
Most people in the U.S. have at least one caffeinated drink each day. Having one in the morning is normal, but if you find yourself needing additional caffeine in the afternoon to get through the day, it might be time to consider a sleep test.
Falling asleep during daily tasks, such as at work, while driving, or even when reading or watching TV, should be considered a serious warning sign. If this sounds familiar, you should definitely be tested for sleep apnea.
The Link Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring is the most common warning sign of sleep apnea, though not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
The volume of your snoring could indicate sleep apnea—the louder the snore, the greater the likelihood. Additionally, if your snoring is followed by choking or gasping for air during the night, this could be a strong sign of sleep apnea. Occasionally, grinding your teeth at night may also be a related symptom to watch for.
Waking Up Tired and in Pain
If you’re not spending enough time in bed, that might be why you’re waking up tired. However, if you’re spending eight or more hours in bed and still waking up feeling exhausted, sleep apnea might be the cause.
Morning headaches are another common issue for people with sleep apnea. These can be any type of headache, with tension headaches and migraines being particularly common. Sometimes, you might not even be aware of the kind of headache, and it may resolve pretty quickly. Additionally, you could experience jaw pain or toothaches in the morning.
High Blood Pressure and Sleep Apnea
High blood pressure is a prevalent concern and is often linked to sleep apnea. If you experience high blood pressure along with other symptoms of sleep apnea, it's crucial to get tested. Even if you're on blood pressure medication and it's not effectively controlling your levels, sleep apnea could be an underlying cause worth exploring.
Getting a Sleep Test at Home Is Easy
At SleepTest.com, we make it simple to get a sleep apnea test from the comfort of your home. There’s no need to visit a lab for a sleep study or search for a doctor. We can arrange a telemedicine visit with a sleep specialist who will perform a screening and, if appropriate, prescribe a sleep test. Plus, you can use your PPO or Medicare insurance to help cover the cost, or opt to pay out-of-pocket if you prefer.
Your sleep test will come with clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure you perform it correctly. After completing the test, simply send it back to us. A doctor will then interpret the results to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Connect with Our Network of Local Dentists and Medical Providers
Most doctors prescribe a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine for treating sleep apnea. While effective for many, CPAP isn’t the right solution for everyone. For some, oral appliance therapy works just as well—or even better. With its greater comfort, convenience, and ease of use, many people prefer oral appliance therapy over CPAP.
If you’re interested in exploring oral appliance therapy, SleepTest.com can help. If your sleep test results suggest that oral appliance therapy could be right for you, we’ll connect you with local dentists and medical providers who can fit you with a custom oral appliance.
Taking the First Step Is Easy
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, the first step toward treatment is getting tested. At SleepTest.com, we’ve made the process as easy as possible, including guidance to a provider who can assist with oral appliance therapy if that’s the best treatment for you.
Ready to get started? Use our online form to order a sleep test today—it’s that simple.
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