Sleep Apnea Diagnosis: Understanding the Process and Importance

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. These interruptions can happen dozens—or even hundreds—of times per night.

There are three types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Caused by a physical blockage of the airway (most common)
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Caused by the brain not sending the right signals to breathe
• Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both

Most people who seek help have OSA, which often shows up as snoring, restless sleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed—even after 7–8 hours in bed.

Common Signs You May Need a Sleep Apnea Test

You might need a sleep study if you’ve noticed any of the following:

• Loud, frequent snoring
• Waking up choking, gasping, or coughing
• Morning headaches
• Chronic dry mouth or sore throat
• Trouble concentrating or staying awake during the day
• Mood swings or irritability

If your partner says you stop breathing in your sleep or you’re constantly fighting daytime exhaustion, don’t ignore it. Sleep apnea doesn’t go away on its own.

Why a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis Matters

Sleep apnea is more than just a nuisance—it’s a risk factor for serious health problems like:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Weight gain and metabolic issues
• Depression and anxiety

It can also impact your job performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. Getting a proper diagnosis is the first—and most important—step toward turning things around.

How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed

There are two main ways to diagnose sleep apnea: in-lab sleep studies and home sleep tests. In both cases, your test will be interpreted by a physician or board-certified sleep specialist—not your dentist. But Dr. Yamashiro and the team at Ecologic Dentistry can help guide you through the process.

1. Polysomnography (In-Lab Sleep Study)

This is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders. You’ll spend the night at a sleep center (there are several near Tacoma and Bonney Lake) while technicians monitor your:

• Brain activity
• Eye movement
• Heart rate
• Oxygen levels
• Breathing patterns
• Muscle activity

It’s especially helpful if you have other medical conditions, complex symptoms, or are being evaluated for more than one sleep issue.

2. Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT)

Home sleep tests are simpler and more convenient for many patients. You’ll take a small device home that tracks your:

• Oxygen saturation
• Respiratory effort
• Heart rate
• Breathing interruptions

You wear it for one night, return it, and a board-certified sleep doctor reviews the results.

These are often used to confirm moderate to severe OSA and are covered by many insurance plans.

Dr. Yamashiro’s Role in the Process

While Dr. Yamashiro does not diagnose sleep apnea herself, she works alongside local physicians and sleep medicine experts to help patients get answers—and the support they need afterward.

If you suspect sleep apnea, she can:

• Help identify symptoms during a dental or airway evaluation
• Refer you to a trusted medical provider for testing
• Support your treatment with oral appliances, Vivos therapy, or lifestyle recommendations

The connection between oral health and sleep is real—and that’s where dental sleep medicine makes a huge difference.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

Once a physician confirms your sleep apnea, your treatment plan might include:

• CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure)
• Oral appliance therapy (a more comfortable, portable alternative)
• Vivos system (a non-invasive way to reshape and expand the airway over time)
• Weight management, positional therapy, or lifestyle adjustments

Dr. Yamashiro helps patients with oral appliance therapy and Vivos as part of a collaborative care plan. It’s a gentle, practical way to improve sleep without the hassle of bulky machines.

Supporting Your Sleep Apnea Diagnosis Holistically

At Ecologic Dentistry, we believe in treating the whole person—not just the symptoms. That’s why we often combine oral appliance therapy with:

• Breathing re-education or myofunctional therapy
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition tips
• Posture coaching and airway awareness
• Referrals for craniosacral therapy or bodywork

If you’re in Bonney Lake or Tacoma and want real sleep solutions that fit your values, we’re here to help.

The Sooner, the Better

Sleep apnea won’t magically disappear. But getting a diagnosis opens the door to real change—deeper sleep, clearer thinking, better moods, and more energy for the things you love (even if that’s just walking around Lake Tapps or enjoying brunch in Tacoma without needing a nap after).

Don’t wait. If you’re dealing with the symptoms we’ve talked about, it’s time to take the next step.

Ready to Start?

If you’re ready to explore whether sleep apnea could be affecting your life, we can help guide the process.

Call Ecologic Dentistry today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Yamashiro. Let’s explore your treatment options and build a plan that helps you sleep—and feel—better every day.

Questions We Hear Often