Sleep Studies Interpretation and Application

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common, but under-recognized, condition. Polysomnography remains the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea and determining whether treatment is appropriate. The development of home sleep apnea testing has allowed for a faster and more convenient method of diagnosis. Continuous positive airway pressure is the therapy of choice for most patients with obstructive sleep apnea, but otorhinolaryngologists can expect to see more and more patients looking for alternative treatments. This review highlights salient points relevant to sleep study application and interpretation for otorhinolaryngologists.