Easy Sleep Apnea Test

March 29, 2006 Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by brief periods of breathing cessation (of ten seconds or more at a time) during sleep. In severe cases, a patient may stop breathing 20 to 30 times an hour. There are three types. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked - usually by relaxation of the soft tissues at the back of the throat. Central sleep apnea is caused by changes in the brain signals that regulate breathing. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the two problems. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million adults have sleep apnea. The condition is more common in men than in women, in those who are obese and patients with a large neck circumference, high blood pressure, abnormal narrowing of the airways or a family history of sleep apnea. In most cases, patients are unaware they have stopped breathing. However, bed partners may complain of the patients loud snoring, choking or gasping for air during sleep. Sleep apnea interferes with the ability of the body to get a good nights sleep. Patients may show signs of excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems, irritability, inability to concentrate, personality changes, anxiety or depression. Lack of quality sleep can interfere with school or job performance and increase the risk of accidents. Sleep apnea has also been linked to an increased risk for development of high blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities, heart failure, heart attack and stroke. Testing for Sleep Apnea The traditional method for sleep apnea testing is a sleep lab study. A patient is admitted to a special unit for overnight observation. During sleep, doctors monitor sleep state, heart rate, breathing, blood oxygen levels, eye movement and muscle activity. If sleep apnea is detected, doctors may be able to try a test of therapy (such as CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure) to keep the airways open for obstructive sleep apnea. While laboratory sleep studies are an important tool for diagnosing sleep apnea, there are some drawbacks to the testing. First, patients are required to sleep in an unfamiliar environment while hooked up to wires and monitors and under observation of others. Many patients are uncomfortable with the process and dont sleep well during the test. Sleep laboratories may not be readily accessible or have a waiting list. Doctors say its important for patients with sleep apnea to be properly diagnosed to get treatment for the problem. But many patients are reluctant to undergo a sleep lab test. Mansoor Madani, D.M.D., Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, is now evaluating a home screening test for obstructive sleep apnea. Its called the "Watch-PAT 100 System" (Itamar Medical Ltd.). The Watch-PAT 100 consists of a fingertip probe and wearable wrist unit. Both devices are placed on the wrist and finger just before going to bed. During sleep, the system measures blood oxygen saturation levels, changes in blood flow and pulse rate. The signals are recorded onto a memory card. The memory card can be removed by the physician and downloaded into a computer for analysis. Madani says the Watch-PAT 100 measures some of the same markers as those used in traditional sleep lab studies. He compared the use of the home device with traditional sleep lab studies and found the results to be similar. It is much less expensive than the use of traditional sleep lab (about $500.00 for the Watch-PAT 100 vs. $1,200.00 to $2,000.00 for the lab) and much more comfortable for the patient. Madani says the home test will not replace the need for laboratory studies. However, it may help rule out the need for a full sleep lab study for some patients. If the test results strongly suggest sleep apnea, Madani still recommends a complete sleep study. Currently, the Watch-PAT 100 is only being used for adults. Some insurance companies may cover the cost of the testing. AUDIENCE INQUIRY For information about the sleep apnea test: http://www.itamar-medical.com For general information on sleep apnea: American Sleep Apnea Association, http://www.sleepapnea.org National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncsdr/index.htm National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, http://www.ninds.nih.gov National Sleep Foundation, http://www.sleepfoundation.org BIBLIOGRAPHY Caples, Sean, D.O., et al., "Obstructive Sleep Apnea," Annals of Internal Medicine, February 1, 2005, Vol. 142, No. 3, pp. 187-197. Golpe, Rafael, M.D., et al., "Home Sleep Studies in the Assessment of Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome," Chest, October 2002, Vol. 122, No. 4, pp. 1156-1161. Hussain, S., and J. Fleetham, "Overnight Home Oximetry," Respiratory Medicine, May 2003, Vol. 97, No. 5, pp. 537-540. 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