Sleep study

OXIGEN salud offers to carry out sleep studies through screening or at-home polygraphy tests and polysomnography, following various steps:

• The diagnosis equipment is delivered to the patient's home with the instructions to undergo the test while sleeping.
• The following day, the equipment is picked up.
• The obtained data is sent to a pulmonologist for establishing the diagnosis.

Sleep studies are used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) through three types of tests of increasing complexity. All tests are done while the patient is sleeping.

Sleep study tests

Sleep screening

It determines the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index, which indicates the risk of suffering from sleep apnoeas and hypopnoeas. It monitors simple variables throughout the night, such as snoring, breathing patterns, heart rate and blood oxygen level (overnight pulse oximetry). The analysis of these variables will determine the risk level.

Polygraphy test

Patients with clear symptoms of OSA or positive screenings must undergo this more complex test in which all the previous variables are analysed (snoring, breathing pattern, overnight pulse oximetry, etc.) in addition to the posture and movements of the thorax and abdomen.

It is possible to perform the diagnostic procedure at the patient's home, allowing for more accurate monitoring of their breathing patterns during treatment.

Polysomnography

It is the most complete test to diagnose OSA and other related sleep disorders (periodic limb movement disorder, upper airway resistance syndrome, narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia or other types of insomnia). The test can be done at home or in sleep units.

It consists of recording all the above variables plus the neurophysiological variables that allow sleep evaluation and establish the characteristics of the somnogram: the quantity and quality of sleep, its discontinuity and the relationship with apnoeas.

Restful sleep is essential for health and well-being. However, many people experience breathing problems while sleeping, which can go unnoticed and seriously affect their quality of life.

Sleep diagnosis is a fundamental tool for identifying problems such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and other respiratory or neurological disorders related to nighttime rest.

At OXIGEN salud, we perform sleep studies at home. We combine advanced technology, convenience, and professional care to obtain a reliable diagnosis without the need for an overnight stay in a hospital.

What is a sleep study and what is it for?

Sleep studies allow us to analyze how the patient breathes during the night and record variables such as:

• Airflow through the nose and mouth.
• Snoring and its intensity.
• Blood oxygen saturation level (pulse oximetry).
• Chest and abdominal movements.
• Body position and heart rate.
• Brain activity and sleep stages (in advanced tests).

Thanks to these measurements, it is possible to detect:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): repetitive breathing pauses that disrupt sleep.
• Upper airway resistance syndrome.
• Narcolepsy, chronic insomnia, or idiopathic hypersomnia.
• Disorders of periodic movements during sleep.

A correct diagnosis is the first step to establishing effective treatment and restoring quality sleep.

Sleep diagnosis procedure

1. Home Delivery of the Device: Our staff carries a portable diagnostic device and teaches the patient how to properly position it before bedtime.
2. Nightly Logging: The device monitors and stores the data while the patient sleeps in their own bed, ensuring greater comfort and natural-looking results.
3. Collection and Analysis: The next day, the device is removed and the data is sent to the pulmonologist for interpretation and diagnosis.
4. Medical Report: The specialist prepares a detailed report, which will be used to determine if the patient has apnea or another sleep disorder and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Types of tests

At OXIGEN Salud we perform progressive tests according to the complexity of each case:

1. Sleep screening

• Objective: to assess the risk of sleep apnea and hypopnea.
• Recorded variables: snoring, airflow, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels (nocturnal pulse oximetry).
• Recommended use: as a first diagnostic approach in patients with suspected OSA.

2. Respiratory polygraphy (RP)

• Objective: more detailed analysis in patients with a positive screening result or clear symptoms of apnea.
• Variables recorded: those from the screening, plus chest and abdominal movements, body position, and breathing patterns.
• Advantage: it is performed at home and allows for a more complete diagnosis without the need for hospitalization.

3. Nocturnal polysomnography (PSG)

• Objective: the most comprehensive and advanced test for diagnosing OSA and other sleep disorders (narcolepsy, severe insomnia, hypersomnia, periodic movements).
• Recorded variables: all of the above, plus neurophysiological activity (brain waves, sleep stages, microarousals) to obtain a detailed somnogram.
• Venue: specialized sleep units or, in some cases, the patient's home.

OXIGEN Salud: specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea

We have state-of-the-art portable equipment and trained staff to perform accurate sleep diagnoses without disrupting the patient's sleep habits.

We work alongside pulmonologists and sleep specialists to offer:

• Tests tailored to each need.
• Comfortable and safe home study.
• Professional medical interpretation and personalized treatment plan.

Do you suffer from loud snoring, pauses in breathing while sleeping, or extreme fatigue during the day? You could have sleep apnea.

Request your sleep diagnosis at OXIGEN salud and take the first step toward healthy rest and a better quality of life.

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