--- title: Why You Should Be Tested For Sleep Apnea description: Sleep apnea affects 20% of American adults and harms physical, mental, and emotional health. Read our top 5 reasons to have a sleep study. image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-2425409760.jpg --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Why You Should Be Tested For Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/why-you-should-be-tested-for-sleep-apnea) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) Mar 5, 2015 8:00:00 AM ![home_sleep_testing-1](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-2425409760.jpg?width=438&name=file-2425409760.jpg) Sleep apnea is a very prevalent condition--in fact, an estimated **1 in 5 American adults has the sleep disorder. ** By that number, we should all be able to name at least a handful of people with sleep apnea. But in fact, **80% of sleep apnea cases go untreated **and **most people don't even know they have it. ** Those with sleep apnea don't usually remember waking up during the night and might brush off their symptoms as just being tired. And the only way to know for sure if you have the condition is to be tested for it.  So here are our top 5 reasons why you should have a sleep study--and the benefits that could result from taking back your restful sleep. # 5 Reasons to Get Tested for Sleep Apnea ## 1)  It causes sleep deprivation and poor concentration Sleep apnea keeps you from sinking into the depeest levels of sleep, meaning that even though you might spend 7-8 hours in bed, you still wake up exhausted and sleepy. This fatigue can cause difficulty in decision-making and a decrease in critical thinking abilities. You may also be sluggish and lethargic. Some have compared the feeling to an aura that precedes a migraine. ## 2) It leads to other serious health problems Lack of sleep can contribute to depression and [substance abuse](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/sleep-problems-lead-to-drug-and-alcohol-abuse). Doctors and researchers also connect it to high blood pressure, [type two diabetes](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/sleep-apnea-leads-to-increased-risk-of-diabetes), and [heart disease](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/how-sleep-apnea-damages-heart-health). Fortunately, CPAP treatments seem to [lower blood pressure](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/using-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure) in most individuals who use them. ## 3) It can make you gain weight Sleep Apnea affects hormone levels in the body, including those that signal the brain that the body has had enough to eat. As a result, people with sleep apnea are prone to [overeating](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/one-trick-for-not-overeating-this-holiday-get-more-sleep) and find it hard to loose weight. The sluggish feeling may also cause people to forgo exercise. ## 4) It causes headaches and memory loss Lack of sleep can trigger chronic morning headaches. In fact, these headaches are one of the telling symptoms of sleep apnea. Also, the chronic exhaustion and nightime oxygen deprivation that result from the apneas can actually [damage the brain](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/how-does-sleep-apnea-impact-the-brain), decreasing brain matter and leading to memory loss.  ## 5) It hurts your sex life Lack of Sleep can interfere with sexual function, especially in males. The condition results in lowered testosterone levels, and there is a proven correlation between [sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/erectile-dysfunction-and-sleep-apnea). But this complication is not only limited to men; women also can experience disruptions in their hormone levels and circadian rhythms as a result of sleep apnea that can lead to [problems conceiving](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/infertility-and-sleep-disorders-a-proven-link).  ## Sleep Better, Live Better Sleep apnea--and poor sleep in general--affects nearly every part of one's life. It takes a physical toll on the heart and body, leads to mental exhaustion and fogginess, and can even cause emotional problems with depression and your bed partner.  Getting tested for sleep apnea is the first step in treating your sleep disorder. With a [Home Sleep Test (HST)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/home-sleep-testing), you will able to be checked for sleep apnea from the comfort of your home, no overnight stay or technician supervision required. For more information on HST, see our blog post on [5 Reasons to Have a Home Sleep Test](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/5-reasons-to-have-a-home-sleep-test).  Reclaim your health, your concentration, and your enegery! Get started by downloading our 5 Steps to Scheduling a Sleep Study, below.  Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [Sleep Studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-you-should-be-tested-for-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-you-should-be-tested-for-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-you-should-be-tested-for-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-you-should-be-tested-for-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Why%20You%20Should%20Be%20Tested%20For%20Sleep%20Apnea) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-you-should-be-tested-for-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-you-should-be-tested-for-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-you-should-be-tested-for-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.