Easy Home Tests for Sleep Apnea/OSA

Do you have OSA? It’s estimated that as many as 8 out of 10 people with OSA go undiagnosed. OSA is dangerous, it can kill you. What should you do?

If you suspect that you have OSA, get a Sleep Study exam to know for sure. Talk to your doctor and get a referral to a sleep specialist. If you need a referral, I can provide one.

Because OSA is dangerous and under diagnosed, I have all my clients screen themselves, even if they have no reason to suspect OSA. It takes about 15 minutes. It could save your life. And, yes, you can do it from home!

Two Home Tests:

1. Here is a very simple test you can do. I use it with groups and individuals to check whether or not you're able to breathe freely. If you have trouble with this test, there is a good chance that you have OSA:

• Stand with your back against a wall.

• Your heels, buttocks, shoulder blades, and head should touch the wall, if possible.

• Say "Hello", swallow and then breathe.

If you are able to speak, swallow and breathe easily and comfortably, then your mouth and throat are clear of obstructions in this position. If you cannot do these three things easily while standing, your breathing may be obstructed. If your breathing is obstructed while standing up, the situation will probably be worse when you are lying down to sleep, and you are likely to have OSA.

This is test is not scientifically validated and most doctors do not know about it or use it. However, I have found it to be quite reliable. If you FAIL this test, chances are good that you have OSA and you should get evaluated. However, if you PASS this test, you should not assume that you do not have OSA. Instead, I recommend you continue and take the following online screening for OSA, called STOP-Bang.

2. STOP-Bang can assess your risk for OSA based on a few questions. It is fast and it is free at the following website: stopbang.ca Click “Screening Tool”.

This is the University of Toronto’s website, where they developed this screening tool. There you will also find other helpful information about sleep apnea.

When it comes to OSA, I say “If in doubt, get checked out”, meaning err on the side of caution and talk to your doctor for a referral to a sleep specialist. If you need a referral, I can make one.

In my next article, I’ll talk about Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, including Lifestyle and Habit changes to help.

Copyright Erik Spahn. Productive Sleep ™ 2020. All rights reserved. Do not copy or distribute without permission.