referral criteria to a sleep study if obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in an adult
Last reviewed 12/2022
indications for referral to a sleep study in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
The following are indicators for referral to a sleep study:
- symptoms of excessive sleepiness or an Epworth sleepiness score of >=11*
- recurrent witnessed apnoeas
- nocturnal choking, gasping, or 'dyspnoea'
- headache in the morning
- unrefreshing sleep despite adequate sleep time and continuity
- near miss events or incidents caused by reduced vigilance while driving*
- screening before bariatric surgery or upper airway surgery for snoring
- otherwise unexplained polycythaemia, pulmonary hypertension, or ventilatory failure
*urgent referral is necessary if the Epworth sleepiness score is >18 or the patient has had a road traffic incident or near miss event
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