How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?

When OSA is suspected, a physician will first inquire about any history of snoring or typical symptoms such as daytime sleepiness. A medical exam of the neck, mouth, and throat will also be performed to examine the airway. Screening tools such as the STOP-Bang questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) may be used to determine a person’s risk for OSA.^[1] The only way to confirm a diagnosis of OSA is by conducting a polysomnography (sleep study) test, which measures sleep stages and cycles.^[2]