Sleep Apnea Diagnosis in Seattle & Bellevue

Know What’s Keeping You Up at Night

At Washington Center for Sleep, we make it easy to get diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — a common but serious condition that can affect your energy, heart health, and quality of life. Whether you’ve been told you snore loudly or you wake up tired every morning, we’re here to help you get answers — and a plan to sleep better.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for short periods. This disrupts deep, restorative sleep and puts strain on your brain, heart, and body.

There are different types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — caused by the soft tissues in the throat collapsing during sleep.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

You might have sleep apnea if you experience:

  • Loud snoring (especially with gasps or choking sounds)

  • Daytime fatigue or brain fog

  • Morning headaches

  • Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up

  • Waking up frequently at night

  • Trouble focusing or remembering things

  • High blood pressure or heart rhythm issues

If your partner says you stop breathing while sleeping — that’s a major red flag.

How We Diagnose Sleep Apnea

We offer home sleep apnea testing — a simple, convenient, and affordable way to get diagnosed without going to a hospital or sleep lab.

Here’s how it works:

  1. You take home a small medical-grade device to wear overnight.

  2. It measures breathing, oxygen, snoring, and sleep patterns.

  3. A board-certified sleep physician interprets the data.

  4. We review the results with you and discuss next steps.

You’ll typically have answers within a few days, not weeks.

If a home sleep test isn’t appropriate for you (due to certain medical conditions), we can help you get scheduled for an in-lab polysomnography through a local sleep physician.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

If you're diagnosed with sleep apnea, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Many of our patients choose oral appliance therapy, which is:

  • Comfortable and easy to wear

  • Travel-friendly and quiet

  • Covered by most medical insurance and Medicare

We also offer NightLase laser therapy and combination treatment options for better breathing and reduced snoring.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring — it’s linked to serious health risks like:

  • Heart disease and high blood pressure

  • Stroke

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Impaired immune function

  • Cognitive decline and memory issues

Getting diagnosed and treated can add years to your life and dramatically improve how you feel every day.

Get Answers. Start Sleeping Better.

If you think you might have sleep apnea, the first step is a simple conversation. We’ll help you get tested, diagnosed, and treated — without the hassle of referrals or long wait times.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a referral to get tested for sleep apnea?
 No referral is needed. You can schedule directly with us for a home sleep test, and we’ll coordinate with board-certified sleep physicians to interpret your results.

2. How do I know if I should get tested for sleep apnea?
 If you snore loudly, feel tired during the day, wake up frequently, or have high blood pressure, it's worth getting tested. A simple home sleep test can give you clear answers.

3. Is a home sleep test accurate?
 Yes — for most patients, home sleep apnea testing is just as accurate as a lab-based study for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

4. How long does it take to get results?
 Most patients receive results within 3–5 business days after completing the test.