For those suffering from chronic snoring, disordered breathing, or other sleep apnea symptoms, undergoing a polysomnography test may provide needed insights. Polysomnography is a diagnostic sleep study test. The sleep study test will give a person a polysomnogram or sleep study test results.

The sleep study test can monitor these areas:

• EEG (electroencephalography)
  • Measures and records brain waves
• EMG (electromyography)
  • Records muscle activity of the face, teeth, and legs
• EOG (electrooculography)
  • Records eye movements
• EKG (electrocardiogram)
  • Records heart rate and rhythm
• Nasal airflow sensor
  • Records airflow
• Snore microphone
  • Records snoring

An individual can perform the test at home or at a sleep clinic. Individuals should speak with their doctor regarding how to prepare for their sleep study test.

 Do I Need a Polysomnography?

If an individual is experiencing problems with breathing or snoring while sleeping, they may benefit from a sleep study test. In addition, other signs of sleep apnea include:

• Pausing of breath while sleeping
• Fatigue
• Morning headaches
• High blood pressure
• Gasping or choking at night

If one suspects that they are experiencing disordered breathing while sleeping, they should speak with their doctor to determine if a sleep study test is the best course of action.

 Polysomnography Results

The results from the sleep study test can diagnose sleep apnea. The polysomnogram is sent to a sleep medicine specialist. After obtaining the results, the specialist will interpret the results and provide a diagnosis. Additionally, the results will aid in creating a personalized treatment plan.

Moreover, the polysomnogram results provide a baseline to ensure the treatment plan effectively reduces or eliminates sleep apnea symptoms. If an individual cannot wear a CPAP machine during treatment, the individual will then use an oral appliance therapy device to treat sleep apnea symptoms. An oral appliance therapy device is similar to a mouthguard. This oral device works to prevents the jaw from repositioning and allowing the tongue to slide back, blocking the airway during sleep. Dr. Buck and his team at Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics specialize in treating sleep apnea with oral therapy devices if intolerant of a CPAP machine.

 Contact Us

Dr. Buck is a facial orthopedist based in the state of Washington. Dr. Buck, and his fellow ENT physicians and pulmonologists, by combining their expertise, help patients find relief from sleep apnea. With Dr. Buck and his team, relief from the severity and alleviate symptoms of sleep breathing issues is possible. For more information on Dr. Buck’s practice and the treatment options he provides, please schedule an appointment by giving us a call today at 425-361-7499. Additionally, one may contact us by filling out our online form.