Sleep Apnea: Screening Tests for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is more common than you might think. It’s a serious condition that can quietly affect your energy, heart health, and overall well-being. The good news? Our screening tools for sleep apnea can help you discern whether you might be experiencing these conditions, and take back control of your sleep — and your health.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep. This disruption reduces oxygen levels in your blood and leaves you feeling exhausted, even after a full night in bed. Many people don’t realize they have it until they take a proper sleep apnea test.

The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), caused by a narrowed or blocked airway. There’s also central sleep apnea, which happens when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Some individuals may have a mix of both types, known as complex sleep apnea.

“Many patients live with sleep apnea for years without knowing it,” says Gerard J., CEO of Wellfirst Sleep. “That’s why early testing and diagnosis are so powerful—they can literally save lives.”

Signs That You Might Need a Sleep Apnea Test

Loud snoring isn’t just annoying—it could be a red flag. Waking up gasping for air, frequent dry mouth, chronic fatigue, trouble focusing, and mood swings are all possible signs. These sleep apnea symptoms should prompt you to ask your doctor about getting a sleep apnea test.

If you’re constantly tired, even with enough sleep, don’t ignore it. You might just need better sleep—but you might also need the right treatment. Taking the first step with our screening or test can provide real answers.

Sleep Apnea Tests: Screening Tools That Start It All

Before using formal sleep apnea test equipment, we begin with screening tools. This short, simple sleep quiz helps determine if you’re at risk and whether you need further testing. They’re often your first step when wondering how to get a sleep apnea test.

Here are two of the most trusted screening tools used today:

STOP-BANG Questionnaire

The STOP-BANG Questionnaire tool includes eight yes/no questions related to snoring, tiredness, observed breathing interruptions, high blood pressure, BMI, age, neck size, and gender. A score of 3 or more suggests a higher risk. It’s one of the most reliable early-stage sleep apnea tests available, and anyone can quickly take this test to learn their risk for sleep apnea.

Because it focuses on both symptoms and physical risk factors, STOP-BANG helps providers decide whether to recommend a diagnostic test. It’s easy to complete in just a few minutes and can reveal whether you should move forward with testing.

“I scored a 6 on the STOP-BANG and immediately booked a test. I had severe sleep apnea—now I sleep with a CPAP and feel like myself again.”— Jason T., Wellfirst Sleep patient

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale asks how likely you are to doze off in common situations, like reading or riding in a car. Scores above 10 often indicate excessive daytime sleepiness. It complements other tools to help us assess your need for further sleep apnea testing.

This tool won’t diagnose sleep apnea on its own. However, when combined with other screening methods, it creates a fuller picture of your sleep health. We use it to decide if a sleep apnea test device should be used next.

Other Tools You Might Encounter

The Berlin Questionnaire is another screening method that evaluates risk based on snoring, fatigue, and high blood pressure. It’s slightly longer but also highly effective. This is often used when patients report multiple related symptoms.

We offer a short sleep quiz. This tool is especially convenient when you're unsure whether to get a sleep apnea test. It allows you to begin the process from the comfort of home.

Sleep Apnea Tests: How They Work and What to Expect

Once a screening shows you're at risk, we may recommend a full diagnostic test. These sleep apnea tests give detailed insight into how your body functions during sleep and whether you stop breathing throughout the night. Understanding how sleep apnea tests are done can help ease any anxiety you may have.

There are two main types: the in-lab polysomnogram and the home sleep apnea test. Both use clinically-valid devices and measurements to track your breathing, oxygen, and sleep patterns.

In-Lab Sleep Apnea Test (Polysomnography)

This test takes place overnight at our sleep center. While you sleep, our trained technicians use sleep apnea test equipment to monitor your:

• Brain waves (EEG)

• Eye movement

• Heart rate

• Breathing rate and effort

• Blood oxygen levels

• Body movements

You’ll be hooked up to sensors that track these signals, but the setup is non-invasive and painless. This is the most comprehensive type of sleep apnea test available.

Because it uses advanced tools in a controlled environment, it’s ideal for people with complex symptoms or other medical conditions. It helps identify not just if you stop breathing, but also how often and why. Learn more about polysomnography here.

Home Sleep Apnea Test

A home sleep apnea test offers a smaller list of measurements in the convenience of your own home.  You sleep in your own bed while wearing a small device that monitors your:

• Breathing patterns

• Oxygen saturation

• Heart rate

• Airflow and respiratory effort

Most devices include a finger sensor (for oxygen and heart rate), a nasal cannula (for airflow), and a chest strap (for effort). These tools work together to detect apnea events throughout the night.

At Wellfirst Sleep, we guide patients through setup and usage to ensure accurate results. If you’re wondering how sleep apnea tests are done at home, this process is as simple as following a short instruction guide and sleeping as you normally would.

“I was nervous about sleeping in a lab, so I chose the home sleep test. The staff made it easy to understand, and I had results in just a few days.” — Kim R., Wellfirst Sleep patient

Interpreting Your Results

Your results are measured using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which counts the number of times your breathing slows or stops per hour. This helps determine how severe your condition is. The test will reveal whether you need treatment and what kind is best for you.

• 0–4: Normal

• 5–14: Mild

• 15–29: Moderate

• 30+: Severe

If your AHI is high, don't panic. Treatments are highly effective and can make a huge difference in your daily life. Once you know the results, you can work with us to decide the next steps.

Where to Get a Sleep Apnea Test

You can get tested through hospitals, sleep centers, or specialized clinics like Wellfirst Sleep. We offer telemedicine consultations and ship sleep apnea test devices directly to your home. So if you’re wondering where to get a sleep apnea test, you have more options than ever.

Not sure where to start? Take our online sleep apnea risk assessment to see if testing is recommended. It’s fast, private, and helps you get the answers you need.

“Our goal is simple: help people sleep better and live healthier lives,” says Gerard J., CEO. “You don’t have to settle for exhaustion. Testing is the first step to feeling better.”

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

Sleep apnea can be life-changing—but only if you know it’s there. If you suspect something is off with your sleep, don’t wait. Sleep apnea tests are simple, accessible, and can provide the answers you’ve been looking for.

Whether you need help choosing a sleep apnea test device, learning how sleep apnea tests are done, or figuring out how to get a sleep apnea test, we’re here to help.

Take the first step toward Better Sleep — Better Health. Schedule your consultation today and take back control of your nights and your days.

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