While it is possible to use questionnaires and visual evaluation to screen for suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the primary method for diagnosing OSA at present is to have the patient undergo an overnight sleep study, known as polysomnography (PSG). This study measures and records a number of different physiologic variables during sleep such as airflow, oxygen levels, brain activity and respiratory effort.
Once diagnosed, several treatment options exist for dealing with OSA:
These include lifestyle changes such as an exercise and weight-loss regimen, medical intervention such as the addition of a sleeping device, or a dental orthotic which can help to create long-term, healthy sleeping patterns, and finally Nasal CPAP (continuous positive air pressure), CPAP or surgery.