The all night test is called a polysomnogram. Brain waves, eye movements, and muscle activity may also be monitored. The test involves no pain and is covered by insurance. When the test is performed in a sleep disorders center, you are monitored and observed by a sleep technologist, videotaped, and connected to a variety of sensors which are typically placed on your scalp, eyes, nose, finger, chin, chest, abdomen and legs. The CPAP machine delivers air pressure through a small nasal mask that the patient wears while sleeping.
Sleep becomes uninterrupted and restorative.
For many patients, CPAP therapy dramatically improves their daytime functioning as well as their general health. Sleep apnea can also be treated surgically. However the costs and success rates may vary greatly depending on which procedure is chosen and the experience and skills of the surgeons. If you wish to consider surgical treatment of OSA, learning as much as you can about the various surgical procedures is very highly recommended. You must also be certain the surgeons are well qualified and have successfully treated many patients.