Home Sleep Study

A home sleep study is a simple at-home test used to diagnose sleep apnea as well as other sleeping disorders.

Start Getting Quality Rest With a Home Sleep Study

Sleep is fundamental to your overall health, and disruptions in your sleep patterns can have far-reaching effects on your daily life. A home sleep study is a diagnostic tool used to investigate various sleep disorders from the comfort of your own home. This form of sleep analysis can help identify conditions like sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and others that might be the underlying causes of poor-quality sleep. If you’re looking to improve your sleep and quality of life, you may want to consider a home sleep study through Dion Health Services.

What Is a Home Sleep Study?

A home sleep study, also known as a Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT), is a diagnostic procedure you can use to evaluate your sleep patterns in the comfort of your own home. This type of study is typically used to identify sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

When you're prescribed a home sleep study, you'll receive a portable monitoring device to use overnight. The equipment usually involves:

Sensors to be attached to your body
Breathing monitors, like a nasal cannula or an airflow sensor
Belts to measure chest and abdominal movement
A pulse oximeter to record oxygen levels and heart rate

Your results will help our practitioners recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include lifestyle changes or one of several effective sleep apnea treatments offered at our clinics.

What Can Be Diagnosed With a Home Sleep Study?

A home sleep study can help diagnose several sleep disorders from the comfort of your own home. The primary condition it detects is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is manifested by pauses in breathing during sleep due to obstruction of the upper airway. Here are the signs that OSA typically presents, which the home sleep study can record:

Snoring
Breathing Interruptions
Gasping or Choking

Alongside OSA, home sleep studies may hint at other sleep patterns that could indicate further disorders. However, they are often less comprehensive than in-lab studies. The following parameters are typically measured in a home sleep study:

Oxygen Saturation
Heart Rate
Breathing Effort
Sleep Position

While capable of diagnosing OSA with a high level of accuracy, home sleep studies are not sufficient to diagnose other sleep disorders such as central sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, or narcolepsy. For these conditions, an in-lab study might be recommended based on the initial findings of your home sleep study. It's important to note that if your home sleep study results are inconclusive or suggest a more complex sleep disorder, your healthcare provider may still advise a comprehensive in-lab sleep study for a more complete evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Home Sleep Study

Before your home sleep study, you’ll sit down for a private consultation with one of our doctors. They’ll evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and overall health to determine if the test is needed. When preparing for your home sleep study, you will receive a sleep test kit containing various sensors and instructions. You can set up the testing equipment yourself, often involving attaching sensors to your body to record sleep patterns.

Preparing for the Night:

To ensure that your home sleep study goes smoothly and provides accurate results, you’ll need to do the following:

Charge the Device: Ensure the recording device is fully charged.
Follow Instructions: Carefully read the manual provided.
Placement of Sensors:
- Nasal cannula or tube for monitoring breathing.
- Chest and abdomen belts to measure respiratory effort.
- Finger clip to record oxygen levels.
- Electrodes might be included to monitor heart rate.

During the night, be sure to follow your usual sleep routine to get accurate results. While using the equipment, you might be slightly more aware of its presence; however, it is generally designed to be minimally invasive and not disrupt your sleep.

After Waking Up:

Remove the sensors and equipment as outlined in the instructions.
Place all items back in the kit.
Return the kit to the provider or arrange for pick-up if that service is provided.

Your sleep data will then be analyzed by our sleep apnea experts, who will provide a detailed report. This report helps to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. It's important to discuss the findings with your doctor to understand the next steps or treatment plans if required.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Home Sleep Study?

A home sleep study may be a relevant option for you if you're experiencing symptoms suggesting a sleep disorder. These symptoms often include frequent snoring, long pauses in breathing during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, or choking and gasping during the night. To be an ideal candidate for a home sleep study, you should also meet the following criteria:

Be free of serious medical conditions
Be between the ages of 18 and 65

Why Choose Dion Health Services for Your Home Sleep Study

At Dion Health Services, we’re a multi-specialty practice offering a diverse selection of modern treatments and procedures. Our team of skilled practitioners includes experts on the topics of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. We’ll guide you through the process of your home sleep study, accurately evaluate your sleep habits, and help you get on the path toward improved rest, increased energy, and a better quality of life.