How to Test for Sleep Apnea: Taking Control of Your Sleep and Your Health

Sleep apnea is a silent killer. If you’ve read the article on the ten ways to die from sleep apnea, you know this condition is no joke. It wrecks your performance, mental clarity, and long-term health—especially in military, veteran, and first responder communities, where sleep deprivation and high-stress environments are already taking a toll.

For many, getting tested for sleep apnea feels like a long, drawn-out process. You might be waiting weeks (or months) for a doctor’s appointment, stuck in a bureaucratic loop while your symptoms get worse. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sit on your hands. You can take action today.

Step One: Start today with a Pulse Oximeter

One of the fastest ways to get an initial clue about whether you might have sleep apnea is by using a pulse oximeter—a simple device that tracks your blood oxygen levels and heart rate while you sleep.

The Emay Pulse Oximeter, available on Amazon for around $60, is a great first step. You wear it overnight, and in the morning, you can check for drops in your blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂). This will give you a full night sleep analysis, printable to PDF . Severe dips, especially into the low 90s or 80s, could be a sign that you’re experiencing apnea events—moments when your airway is blocked, and your body is being starved of oxygen.

This tool is not a replacement for a sleep study, but it’s a real-time data point you can take straight to your doctor instead of waiting blindly for an appointment.

The Limitations of a Pulse Oximeter

It’s critical to understand that not all cases of sleep apnea will show up on a pulse oximeter.

• If your airway is partially collapsing, it may not cause dramatic oxygen drops, but it can still disrupt your sleep cycles and destroy your recovery.

• If you’re waking up frequently without knowing why, it could still be Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)—which shares symptoms with sleep apnea but won’t always trigger a major drop in oxygen.

Bottom line: Even if your numbers look fine, but you feel exhausted, don’t ignore the symptoms.

Step Two: Home Sleep Study vs. Lab Sleep Study

If your pulse oximeter data shows concerning drops—or if you just want to be thorough—the next step is to get an official test. You’ve got two main options:

1. Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)

• Pros: Convenient, cheaper, and can be done in your own bed.

• Cons: Measures fewer variables than a full sleep lab study.

This test involves wearing sensors while you sleep to track breathing, oxygen levels, and airflow. It’s a solid option for detecting moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

2. Polysomnography (In-Lab Sleep Study)

• Pros: The gold standard—tracks brain waves, muscle activity, breathing effort, and sleep cycles.

• Cons: More expensive, requires a night in a lab, and can be harder to schedule.

For active-duty military and veterans, getting a sleep study through Tricare or the VA can be a frustrating process, but it’s worth pushing for. First responders working long shifts, rotating schedules, or struggling with chronic fatigue should also prioritize getting tested—your performance and safety depend on it.

Step Three: Treatment Options

Once diagnosed, treatment depends on how severe your sleep apnea is and what works best for you.

1. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

The gold standard for moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. A CPAP machine keeps your airway open by delivering continuous air pressure. Many struggle to adapt, but modern CPAPs are smaller, quieter, and easier to use than they used to be.

2. BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure)

Similar to CPAP but adjusts air pressure when you inhale vs. exhale—helpful if you struggle to breathe out against CPAP pressure.

3. Oral Appliances (Mouth Guards)

Great for mild-to-moderate sleep apnea or those who can’t tolerate CPAP. These devices adjust the position of your jaw to keep your airway open.

4. Positional Therapy

Some cases of sleep apnea are worse when sleeping on your back. Simple solutions like wearing a positional therapy belt or using a wedge pillow can help.

5. Surgery (For Structural Issues)

In rare cases, people with severe anatomical obstructions (like a deviated septum or large tonsils) may need surgery to open the airway.

Final Thoughts: Take Action Today

If you’re waking up exhausted, struggling with brain fog, or dealing with unexplained fatigue, don’t wait for someone else to tell you to act.

1. Grab an Emay Pulse Oximeter ($60 on Amazon) and check your blood oxygen levels overnight.

2. If you see oxygen drops, push for a sleep study ASAP—either at home or in a lab.

3. If you still feel like crap even with normal oxygen levels, don’t stop investigating. Sleep apnea is just one piece of the puzzle—UARS, poor sleep hygiene, and other conditions could be at play.

4. Get treatment and take your recovery seriously. It’s not just about feeling better—it’s about long-term health, mission readiness, and survival.

For Veterans and First Responders

If you’re a veteran struggling with VA red tape, keep pushing. Sleep apnea is common in military populations due to exposure to high-stress environments, burn pits, and disrupted sleep cycles. If you’re a first responder, your reaction time, judgment, and safety depend on quality sleep—don’t let untreated sleep apnea put your life (or others’) at risk.

You don’t need permission to start taking control of your health. Start tracking your sleep today.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Always consult a doctor before making health decisions.