The American College of Physicians (ACP) now recommends that sleep studies to look for obstructive sleep apnea should be reserved for patients with unexplained cases of daytime sleepiness, and that home testing will do for most patients.

1. OSA
recommended
only for
patients with
unexplained
daytime
sleepiness
Image Source: pmewswire.com
The American College of Physicians (ACP) now recommends that sleep studies to look for obstructive
sleep apnea should be reserved for patients with unexplained cases of daytime sleepiness, and that home
testing will do for most patients.
This recommendation comes as part of the clinical practice guidelinesby the ACP. For patients without
daytime sleepiness or with low Apnea-Hypopnea Index scores, testing for obstructive sleep apnea is
considered as low-value care because it doesn’t improve clinical outcomes.
Image Source: webmd.com
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by repetitive obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, which
leads to reduced airflow or complete airflow cessation. Patients with OSA may experience loud snoring,

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oxygen desaturation, and disrupted sleep. Because of this, they tend to feel excessively sleepy during the
day and lack concentration. In addition, OSA is linked to serious complications, such as increased risks for
cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and metabolic abnormalities, among others.
Image Source: apneatreatmentcenter.com
Currently, lab-based polysomnography is recommended as the best option for diagnosing OSA. Portable
home sleep monitor testing, meanwhile, is recommended as an alternative for patients without multiple
chronic conditions. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, however, does not recommend the use of
portable monitors for diagnosis in patients with cardiac, respiratory, or neurologic disease.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannonis a physician specializing in critical care medicine and pulmonology. For more
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