Sleep study
Sleep apnoea or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder characterised by narrowing or closing of the upper airways and pauses in breathing during sleep. It is often accompanied by a drop in blood oxygen levels and sleep disturbances.
Sleep apnoea is caused by narrowing or closure of the airways due to contraction of tissues in the pharyngeal region. Sleep becomes fragmented and the person may wake repeatedly during the night. During airway obstruction, the body's oxygen supply is disturbed, resulting in a compensatory increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Sleep apnoea is more common in overweight people. Disturbed sleep leads to fatigue, reduced work capacity and a number of health problems.
The most common symptoms of sleep apnoea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- Frequent awakenings due to a feeling of suffocation
- Awakening in the morning with a dry mouth and/or sore throat
- Morning headaches
In case of the above symptoms and suspicion of sleep apnoea, we recommend that you first consult a pulmonologist to clarify your complaints and to plan further investigations. If necessary, the pulmonologist can consult other specialists.
Sleep apnoea is diagnosed by a sleep study. In Meliva, we use a portable sleep testing device that you can take home. The nurse will give you more detailed instructions on how to use the device.
Respiratory polygraphy with ApneaLink
ApneaLink is a screening tool used to assess the presence or absence of sleep apnoea. ApneaLink simultaneously records oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate, nasal respiratory flow, thoracic respiratory movement, and snoring. The test can be used to screen for sleep-related breathing disorders. The test is done at home and the testing device will be given to you at the clinic. You will be instructed on how to use it independently during your appointment. You will sleep with the device for one night in a normal home environment, after which you will return it to the clinic. Using the data stored on the device, your doctor will analyse your sleep oxygen level and heart rate. The doctor will provide information on the results of the sleep study at a follow-up visit.
Preparing for the study:
- Take your prescribed medications as directed by your doctor
- Do not drink coffee or alcoholic beverages after 3 p.m. on the day before the night of the study
- Take a shower beforehand
- Go to bed in your usual nightwear
Additional information
- Please fill in the questionnaires given to you at home and take them with you when you return the device
- Return the device to the clinic at the agreed time after the study
- You will be informed of the results of the study and treatment options by your doctor
Treatment of sleep apnoea
When suffering from sleep apnoea or other sleep disorders, it is important to lose weight, treat comorbidities, avoid using alcohol and sedatives, and practice good sleep hygiene.
Moderate to severe sleep apnoea is treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP maintains a constant pressure in the airways and prevents the airways from collapsing, thereby relieving the symptoms of sleep apnoea.
The need for CPAP therapy is assessed by your doctor based on the results of a sleep study. When you start your CPAP therapy, you will first have a trial period of up to two weeks to determine the pressure needed to keep your airways open and find a mask that is right for you. You can choose between full-face, nasal, and nasal pillow masks. Based on the trial period, the suitability of the therapy will be assessed and, if necessary, the doctor will prescribe log-term CPAP therapy.
The Estonian Health Insurance Fund reimburses CPAP therapy if the patient has severe sleep apnoea or moderate sleep apnoea with certain comorbidities. After the trial period, the Estonian Health Insurance Fund reimburses 90% of the total price of the CPAP kit and the patient pays a copayment of 10%.
At Meliva, you will be able to go through the whole process described above, from diagnosis to receiving a CPAP machine with a discount from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. If you suspect sleep apnoea, we recommend that you first consult a pulmonologist Liisi Luht at Meliva.
