sleep apnea diagnosis

Can anyone tell me how you know if you have sleep apnea? Is there a test for it? I am a terrible sleeper - takes me a long time to get to sleep and I awake frequently (at least twice a night that I know of). Sometimes, I awake and cannot breathe. It feels like there is something stuck in my throat and I cannot even speak for a few seconds. I went to a doctor last year about it and he said he thought it was anxiety but it never happens when I'm awake.

I do take Paxil and the occasional Ativan, however, this is not a side effect of either of them.

Can anyone shed some light and give me some advice?

Pamela in Canada

Pamela, it sounds like you already know the answer to the question you're asking. Doc's for years have incorrectly diagnosed sleep apnea as anxiety attacks. The major clue is usually whether or not you are tired during the day.

The usual method of diagnosis for apnea is a polysomnography in a sleep lab, but it doesn't always get the diagnosis right either. It sounds like you need to get your physician to order one for you.

I'm sure others will come along with more info and useful links for you.

Regards,
Bill

It does sound as if it could be sleep apnea but polysomnography isnt just a test for sleep apnea. It can help find diagnosis for many other sleep disorders.
If you called a local sleep center in your area and ask if they have sleep quizes available. These are usually short questions that help you rate your sleep pattern and it can help your physician determine the proper test for you.

NightHawkeye wrote:The major clue is usually whether or not you are tired during the day.

NightHawkeye sleep apnea has many symptoms, one of which is tiredness. Since this disorder only gets worse over time, a person can have it without being tired in the beginning.

Pamela some common symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, episodes of not breathing while asleep, nighttime choking spells and gasping, sweating, morning or night headaches, heartburn at night, obesity, and getting up at night to visit the restroom. People can have a combination of symptoms.

From the sounds of it, you may want to check with your doctor and ask if this could in fact be sleep apnea. Let him know of the symptoms you've been having. If your doctor brushes aside your concerns, it's time for a new doctor.

Melinda

Just passing through - Great idea about contacting sleep center. I am going to my GP but I'm afraid he will attribute it to anxiety so it's good to know there is another option.

Thanks!