7 Diagnostic Tests for Sleep Disorders

A good night's sleep can make a lot of difference as far as our health is concerned. Having a good sleep can help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. But if the night is filled with disruptions, it can leave you feeling tired and irritable.  
Occasional sleep problems are normal, and it can happen to everyone. However, if you're constantly having trouble sleeping, it could be a sign of a bigger issue.  

In this article, we will help you understand sleep disorders and what diagnostic tests are available for sleep disorders. So, let’s begin!

Understanding Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders can make it difficult for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restful sleep. There are different types of sleep disorders which we will be discussing in the sections below.

You might know about sleep disorders, but they're more than just trouble falling asleep. Sleep disorders can impact with how much sleep you get, how well you sleep, and even what times you sleep and wake up.

And there are different types of sleep disorders which we will be discussing in the sections below.  

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Sleep disorders can occur as a standalone condition or as a result of other conditions or even coexist with other conditions like depression, anxiety, etc.  

For this reason, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis of the condition. Accurate diagnosis also helps healthcare professionals to customize treatment plans based on individual needs.

Common Types of Sleep Disorders

As mentioned earlier, there are different types of sleep disorders with their own set of symptoms and characteristics. Some types of sleep disorders are rare while some are more common than others.  

So, let’s discuss in brief some of the common types of sleep disorders.

Chronic Insomnia

It is the most common type of sleep disorder, and some estimates suggest nearly every 1 in 3 adults suffer from insomnia. It is a type of condition that makes it difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep and consequently, you often feel tired, irritated, and have difficulty concentrating.  

The condition can also increase the risk of developing serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease or impaired immune systems.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes difficulty in breathing while you sleep. The lack of oxygen makes you wake up in between your sleep and interrupting your sleep cycle.

When you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax, which can narrow or block your airway and disrupt your breathing. This disruption in breathing is a major sign of sleep apnea.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS, is a condition that causes an extreme urge in one to move their legs. This condition especially happens during the evening when one is resting.  

The exact cause of this sensation is not known; however, it forces you to move your legs to get relief from the sensation. This sensation can be tingling, burning, or itching which can greatly disturb your sleep.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a condition that affects your ability to sleep or wake. In our normal sleep cycle, we pass through different stages of sleep which finally culminate in rapid eye movement (REM).  

However, people with this condition may directly enter the REM stage causing them to fall asleep suddenly and it is characterized by uncontrollable daytime sleepiness.  

Blood Tests for Insomnia: What You Need to Know

Blood tests are quite safe and non-invasive ways your healthcare provider can check and get a variety of information about your health. The method can help in revealing iron levels, thyroid functions, hormone levels, mental health conditions, etc.  

It can also help doctors to identify if other conditions are contributing to insomnia and based on the results, doctors prepare a customized treatment plan.

When Are Blood Tests Necessary?

You have probably visited many doctors and it is also possible that they may have recommended you a blood test. But why do doctors recommend blood tests and why it is necessary? Let’s understand.

A Blood test is one of the common ways for doctors to examine proteins, cells, chemicals, etc. in your blood and it can also help them diagnose certain conditions and diseases.

What Can Blood Tests Reveal About Your Sleep?

As mentioned in the above section, a blood test is a very effective way to reveal what exactly is going on in your body. It should not come as a surprise knowing that blood tests can also indicate your sleep quality.  

Blood tests can reveal hormonal imbalances (like cortisol and melatonin), inflammation markers, and blood sugar levels, all of which can impact sleep quality.

7 Diagnostic Tests for Sleep Disorders

Now let’s talk about the other main topic of our discussion which is diagnostic tests for sleep disorders. Many tests can diagnose sleep problems, but here are some of the most common tests used for sleep disorders.

Polysomnography (Sleep Study)

Polysomnography, also known as a sleep study, is a diagnosis method that records the oxygen level in your blood, the brain waves, your heart rate, and your breathing while you sleep.  

It is usually done at night in sleep labs where doctors record your vitals which also include muscle activity and eye movement.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

MSLT is a method that helps doctors check excessive daytime sleeping and it is usually done after a sleep study. This test allows you multiple chances to take a nap throughout the day, generally consisting of 4-5 sessions of naps every two hours.  

In this test, you are provided with a comfortable environment to fall asleep and once the lights are off the monitor will start measuring how much time it takes you to fall asleep.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

It is another diagnostic tool to measure daytime sleeping. It also measures how alert one is and one's ability to stay awake.  

This tool not only measures daytime sleep duration but also assesses alertness and wakefulness. And like MSLT, in this test too, you are provided with multiple chances to sleep, with a two-hour gap.

Actigraphy

It is a non-invasive form of diagnosis where you need to wear a device that looks like a modern-day smartwatch, though the purpose here is much more different than the smartwatch.  

The device monitors your movement throughout the day and night, tracking sleep data like sleep onset (falling asleep), wake episodes, sleep latency (time to fall asleep), and total wake time.

Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT)

A home sleep apnea test (HSAT) is a convenient screening tool used primarily for obstructive sleep apnea.  

It monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels, snoring, heart rate, and body position during sleep. While not a proper diagnosis, HSAT can be a great tool in identifying potential sleep apnea.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

Epworth Sleepiness Scale is not a diagnosis, but a short self-assessment questionnaire used to assess your daytime sleepiness. In ESS, you go through a set of questions like how often you fall asleep while watching TV or being a passenger in a car.  

Each question is rated on a scale of 0-3, the higher the scores, the greater the propensity to fall asleep during daytime.

Overnight Oximetry

It is one of the simplest diagnoses, in fact, it can also be performed at home. The test is used to monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen levels while you are sleeping.  

It is often used as the first test for sleep disorders and doctors use it to understand your breathing pattern and to check if there is any dip in your oxygen level.  

What to Expect During an Insomnia Test?

The insomnia diagnosis process typically involves several steps. First, your doctor will discuss your sleep patterns, including duration, quality, and any relevant lifestyle factors.  

They may then recommend keeping a sleep diary for a week or two to track your sleep and wake times, along with nighttime awakenings. A physical exam may follow.  

Finally, depending on the initial findings, additional tests like blood tests or a sleep study might be recommended.

Preparing for Your Sleep Disorder Test

Preparing for a sleep study depends on your doctor's advice and the type of test.  

However, some general tips apply such as stick to your sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least two days beforehand, skip naps on the test day, and eat a light, healthy dinner.During the test time, you will be taken to the sleep lab where the technician will attach the sensors to different parts of your body and measurements will be monitored by doctors and technicians from the other room.

After the Diagnosis: Next Steps

After the diagnosis has been completed, depending on whether it was done in a lab or at home, the information and data will be reviewed by the doctor, and this may take some time to convert into results.

Treatment Options Based on Test Results

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled by your doctor and during this appointment, based on the results and findings, the doctor will recommend or prescribe certain treatment options.  

Lifestyle Changes and Management Strategies

Our lifestyles often lead to certain health conditions, including sleep disorders. Thus, it is likely that the doctor may recommend you adopt certain healthy lifestyles, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques like yoga, mindful meditations, etc.

Mindtalk Offers you Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques for Better Sleep

Sleep is very important for our well-being as it provides us with energy to accomplish the day’s task at hand. Good sleep is also the answer to many mental health conditions like depression, stress, anxiety, etc. However, sometimes the demands of life can take a toll on our sleep, leading to conditions like sleep disorders.  
If you or anyone you know is experiencing trouble with sleep, then Mindtalk can be the answer you are searching for.  

At our state-of-the-art wellness facility, we provide a comfortable and relaxing environment where you can learn effective coping strategies and relaxation techniques to improve your sleep quality. We offer a range of services and personalized guidance on creating a healthy sleep routine.  

FAQs

1.What are the ways of diagnosing sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders can be diagnosed through various methods, including medical history reviews, sleep diaries, physical exams, and specialized tests such as polysomnography (sleep study), home sleep apnea testing, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire.

2.How are most sleep disorders diagnosed?

Most sleep disorders are diagnosed through a combination of patient history, sleep diaries, and diagnostic tests such as polysomnography (sleep study), home sleep apnea tests, and questionnaires like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess sleep patterns and issues.

3.How do you diagnose insomnia?

To diagnose insomnia, doctors review your medical history, sleep patterns, and symptoms. They may use sleep diaries, questionnaires, and sometimes sleep studies to rule out other disorders and determine the underlying causes of your sleep difficulties.

4.What are the diagnostic criteria for sleep disorders?

The diagnostic criteria for sleep disorders typically include a thorough medical history, sleep history, and physical examination, and may involve sleep studies or polysomnography. Criteria vary by disorder, focusing on symptoms like difficulty falling or staying asleep and daytime impairment.