How Sleep Doctors Diagnose Sleep Disorders

Sleep doctors find and name sleep disorders in clear steps. They use your health history, a physical exam, and the right tests. Knowing these steps can help you get ready for your visit and know what to expect.

Step 1: What will the doctor ask about?

• Sleep habits — Your bedtime, wake time, naps, and how well you sleep
• Symptoms — Such as snoring, tiredness, trouble sleeping, or leg movements
• Health history — Your past health and the medicines you take now
• Bed partner — What your bed partner notices while you sleep
• Screening forms — Short forms, such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (how sleepy you feel in the day) and STOP-BANG (a sleep apnea risk check)

Step 2: What happens in the physical exam?

• Airway — A look at your airway, including your Mallampati score (how much of your throat shows when you open your mouth) and tonsil size
• Neck size — Measuring around your neck
• BMI — Working out your BMI (body mass index, a measure of weight for your height)
• Heart — A check of your heart and blood vessels
• Nerves — A quick check of your nerves and brain

Step 3: Which sleep tests might you need?

There are several types of sleep studies. Your sleep doctor picks the tests that fit your symptoms.

• Polysomnography (PSG) — An overnight sleep study in a lab
• Home sleep apnea test (HSAT) — A simpler test you do in your own bed
• MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test) — A daytime nap test to check for narcolepsy (a disorder that causes extreme daytime sleepiness)
• Actigraphy — A wrist device that tracks when you sleep and wake, to check your body clock (circadian rhythm)

Step 4: What happens after the tests?

Your sleep doctor will go over your results. They will explain your diagnosis and talk about treatment options. Then they will make a plan just for you.