[Diagnosis of sleep apnea]

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a clinically significant condition associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk, daytime sleepiness and in risk of accidents. Diagnosis usually relies on a detailed anamnesis and an ambulatory nocturnal polygraphy. Suspecting the presence of OSA or a persisting unclear daytime sleepiness in need of treatment further polysomnographic diagnosis should be performed in a specialized sleep center. Cardiorespiratory polysomnography is the diagnostic gold standard in differentiating sleep-related breathing and movement disorders.