What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by periods of interrupted breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can occur hundreds of times throughout the night, disrupting sleep and leading to a range of health problems. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked, preventing air from flowing into the lungs.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Caused by a problem with the brain’s signals that control breathing.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Take the Test
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, as opposed to simply feeling tired? Consider your typical lifestyle in recent weeks.
Even if you haven’t experienced some of these situations recently, try to estimate how they might have affected you.
Use the scale below to select the number that best represents each scenario:
0 (no chance)
1 (slight chance)
2 (moderate chance)
3 (high chance)
Your score will range from 0 to 24. A score higher than 10 suggests excessive daytime sleepiness, while a score over 16 indicates a severe level of excessive daytime sleepiness.
Home Sleep Testing
Guardian Sleep offers an easy, at-home sleep test using the ResMed Apnea Link device to assess Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The lightweight device records data over 2–3 nights, which is then analyzed by one of our Board Certified Sleep Physicians.
