Sleep apnea is a common but often overlooked condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Many people are unaware they have sleep apnea, so recognizing the signs and knowing how to test for it is crucial.
How Can I Test Myself for Sleep Apnea?
Self-Assessment
Watch for signs such as loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, restless tossing and turning, and waking up feeling tired despite a full night's rest. If a partner notices you stop breathing or gasp during sleep, this is a strong warning sign.
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At-Home Sleep Apnea Test
You can request a home sleep apnea test from your doctor. This portable device measures airflow, blood oxygen levels, breathing effort, and sometimes heart rate while you sleep at home. The data is then reviewed by a sleep specialist to confirm a diagnosis.
Professional Sleep Study (Polysomnography)
For a definitive diagnosis, your doctor may recommend an overnight sleep study at a sleep center, where your brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing are closely monitored.
What Are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?
- Loud, chronic snoring (often with pauses)
- Gasping, choking, or snorting during sleep
- Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or irritability
- High blood pressure that is hard to control
What Is the First Stage of Sleep Apnea?
The first stage of sleep apnea typically corresponds with light sleep (Stage 1 NREM), where you transition from wakefulness to sleep. During this stage, you are easily awakened, and your muscles and breathing begin to relax. Early sleep apnea episodes may begin here, as airway muscles relax and can partially block airflow.
Can You Test for Sleep Apnea on Your Phone?
While there are smartphone apps that claim to monitor snoring or sleep patterns, these are not validated medical tools and cannot diagnose sleep apnea. They may, however, alert you to suspicious patterns that warrant further medical evaluation.
For accurate diagnosis, a home sleep test or a sleep study is required.
What Age Does Sleep Apnea Start?
Sleep apnea can occur at any age, but it is most common in middle-aged and older adults. Men are at higher risk, and risk increases for women after menopause. Children can also be affected, though it is much less common.
Can an Apple Watch Detect Sleep Apnea?
Recent Apple Watch models (Series 9, Ultra 2, and newer) with the latest watchOS can monitor for breathing disturbances during sleep. Over 30 nights, the watch analyzes your breathing patterns and notifies you if it detects signs consistent with moderate to severe sleep apnea.
However, this feature does not provide a formal diagnosis and should prompt you to consult a healthcare provider if you receive a notification.
Can a Smart Watch Detect Sleep Apnea?
Some smartwatches, including certain Samsung and Apple models, now have FDA-cleared features to detect breathing disturbances suggestive of sleep apnea. These watches use sensors to track movement and breathing patterns, alerting users to possible issues.
Like the Apple Watch, these features are intended as screening tools and cannot replace a formal diagnosis by a doctor.
Can I Feel Sleep Apnea?
You may not always be aware of sleep apnea episodes themselves, as they occur during sleep. However, you can feel the effects:
- Persistent tiredness despite sleeping all night
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Mood changes
If you experience these symptoms, especially alongside loud snoring or observed pauses in breathing, you should seek medical advice.
