Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, which can last for 10 seconds or longer. These pauses can disrupt sleep and lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and irritability.
There are a number of ways to check for sleep apnea. One common method is a sleep study, which is performed at a sleep center. During a sleep study, you will be monitored while you sleep to track your breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs. Another method of checking for sleep apnea is a home sleep test, which can be done in the comfort of your own home. Home sleep tests are less expensive than sleep studies, but they are not as accurate.
