Nocturnal polysomnography is one common sleep apnea test
. With this kind of evaluation, particular types of equipment are attached to the patient while he is in his sleep. This equipment allows doctors to monitor the functions of the lungs and the heart. Breathing pattern is also noticed as well as legs and arms' movements. Some more advanced models of this machien even allow the doctors to observe the mental activity that takes place as the person sleeps. A sleep apnea test that can be done at home by the patient himself is through the use of portable monitoring devices. With these devices, the patient can also check his own heart rate, breathing pattern, and blood oxygen level. However, not at all times that these devices may be able to figure out sleep apnea. Aside from this, it would still be a need to visit the doctor and have a nocturnal polysomnography.