We totally understand—sleep apnea can feel overwhelming, and all the terms and abbreviations might add to the confusion. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Below is a helpful guide to break it all down so you can get the support you need and take the next step toward better sleep and a healthier you. We're here to help every step of the way!

Sleep Health and OSA Terms

Abbreviation Full Term
AASM American Academy of Sleep Medicine
ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
AHI Apnea-Hypopnea Index
BMI Body Mass Index
BPAP Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
BRFSS Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
CAD Coronary Artery Disease
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CHF Congestive Heart Failure
CPAP Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
CVA Cerebrovascular Accident
DADT Divided Attention Driving Test
DM type II Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
DISE Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy
EKG Electrocardiogram
ESS Epworth Sleepiness Scale
FOSQ-10 Functional Outcomes of Sleep 10
Abbreviation Full Term
HSAT Home Sleep Apnea Test
HTN Hypertension
ISI Insomnia Severity Index
KSS Karolinska Sleepiness Scale
MI Myocardial Infarction
MSLT Multiple Sleep Latency Test
MVC Motor Vehicle Crashes
MVP Multivariable Apnea Prediction
MWT Maintenance of Wakefulness Test
NHANES National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
OSA Obstructive Sleep Apnea
PAP Positive Airway Pressure
PROMIS Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System
PSG Polysomnography
PSQI Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
PVT Psychomotor Vigilance Task
QOL Quality of Life
SAQLI Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index
STOP-BANG Snoring, Tired, Observed, Blood Pressure, BMI, Age, Neck, Gender
TIA Transient Ischemic Attack


Sleep Health and OSA Defined

Term Definition
Obstructive Sleep Apnea A sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to a blockage in the upper airway.
Home Sleep Testing A diagnostic procedure that allows individuals to test for sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, at home using portable monitoring equipment.
Telehealth Consultation A virtual medical consultation with a healthcare provider conducted via video call, phone call, or messaging, often used for diagnosing sleep issues.
Prescription for Therapy A doctor's written order for treatment, such as CPAP therapy, aimed at managing conditions like sleep apnea.
CPAP Therapy Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, a treatment for sleep apnea that uses a machine to deliver air through a mask to keep the airway open.
CPAP Resupply The process of obtaining replacement parts (such as masks, filters, and tubing) for a CPAP machine to ensure its proper functioning.
Sleep Health The overall quality and quantity of sleep, as well as its impact on physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
Sleep Hygiene The practices and habits that promote consistent, restful sleep, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bed, and reducing caffeine intake.
REM Sleep Rapid Eye Movement sleep, a stage of deep sleep marked by vivid dreaming, muscle relaxation, and increased brain activity, essential for memory and emotional processing.

Common Terminology for Sleep Apnea