Which techniques are commonly used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea?

Polysomnography and home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) are the primary techniques used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to their ability to comprehensively assess various physiological parameters during sleep. Polysomnography involves an overnight recording in a sleep lab, where numerous metrics are monitored including brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, and oxygen saturation levels. This detailed analysis allows for the identification of apneic events, hypopneas, and overall sleep quality, which are critical for an accurate OSA diagnosis.

Home sleep apnea testing, on the other hand, provides a more convenient and accessible option for patients. While it typically measures fewer parameters than polysomnography, such as airflow, respiratory effort, and blood oxygen levels, HSAT can still effectively demonstrate the presence of sleep apnea, making it a valuable tool in the diagnostic process. Both methods are established in clinical practice and are endorsed by major sleep organizations for their effectiveness in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea.

Other diagnostic techniques listed, such as electrocardiography and blood pressure monitoring, focus more on cardiovascular health and would not provide the specific sleep-related metrics necessary for an OSA diagnosis. Similarly, imaging techniques like CT scans and MRIs are not