The Sleep Spot's At-Home-Sleep Apnea Test
At-Home-Sleep Apnea Test
Simple. Easy-To-Use. Accurate.
At-Home Sleep Test vs In-Lab Sleep Test
In-Lab Sleep Test
An at-home sleep test is more convenient, affordable, and lets you sleep in your own bed for more natural results. There’s no need to stay overnight at a lab, and it uses fewer sensors, making it less invasive. Results are usually quicker, and it's easier for those in remote areas or with mobility issues. In contrast, in-lab tests can take 1 to 2 weeks for results due to more detailed data analysis.
At-Home-Sleep Test
In-Lab Sleep Test
Convenience
Cost-effective
Natural sleep environment
No overnight stays
Less invasive
Faster results
The At-Home Sleep Apnea Test Explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an At-Home-Sleep test?
A home sleep test is a diagnostic tool used to detect sleep apnea and other sleep disorders in the comfort of your own home.
How does the At-Home-Sleep test work?
Home sleep studies utilise various sensors to monitor essential metrics of your body's functions during sleep, such as airflow, breathing, heart rate, and body position.
The Itamar WatchPAT™ One, featuring a wrist sensor, pulse oximeter, and chest sensor, tracks data in seven crucial areas of sleep wellness: apnea events (both central and obstructive), true sleep time, snoring and breathing patterns, oxygen saturation, heart rate, sleep stages, and body position.
This comprehensive analysis provides a complete picture of your sleep health, identifying potential disruptions and areas for improvement.
Who should take the At-Home-Sleep test?
Individuals experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, daytime drowsiness, or observed pauses in breathing during sleep, should consider it.
Do you need a prescription for the At-Home-Sleep test?
No prescription is needed for the At-Home-Sleep test.
How accurate is the At-Home-Sleep test?
Home sleep apnea tests are generally accurate for diagnosing moderate to severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea. They effectively monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate, providing reliable data for most patients.
However, they may be less effective for diagnosing mild cases or other sleep disorders, and a follow-up in-lab sleep study might be recommended for more comprehensive evaluation.
How many times can I take an At-home-Sleep test?
We recommend taking a home sleep apnea test just once. If the results are inconclusive or negative, our sleep physiologist may suggest a follow-up polysomnography in a sleep lab for more accurate results.
What type of sleep disorders can be identified using the At-Home-Sleep test?
At-home sleep tests can detect both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. These tests are typically recommended for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. People with a history of cardiorespiratory diseases, stroke, insomnia, or hypoventilation should undergo their sleep study in a lab rather than using an at-home test.
What parameters do home sleep tests monitor?
Home sleep tests monitor key aspects of sleep wellness, including breathing patterns, body position, and heart rate. The data collected from a home sleep test is analysed by a sleep physiologist to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Do I need to see a doctor or get a referral before taking the At-Home-Sleep apnea test?
You do not need to see a doctor or get referral for the At-Home-Sleep apnea test.
When is an At-Home-Sleep apnea test recommended?
A home sleep apnea test is recommended for individuals who:
- Suspect they have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Are at higher risk for OSA
- Prefer a more affordable and comfortable alternative to in-lab testing
Conversely, an in-lab sleep test is recommended for those who:
- Suspect their sleep issues are due to disorders other than OSA
- Have a history of cardiorespiratory diseases, stroke, insomnia, or hypoventilation
How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed through a home sleep test?
During a home sleep test, you will wear a portable device that monitors key metrics related to your sleep health.
The results of your sleep study are automatically shared with our sleep physiologist via the mobile app. After reviewing your overnight sleep data, your sleep physiologist will confirm the diagnosis and, if obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is diagnosed, develop a treatment plan.
How should you prepare for a home sleep study?
To prepare for a home sleep study, follow your usual daily sleep routine. Additionally, on the day of your test, adhere to these guidelines:
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Do not use any sedatives.
- Refrain from consuming coffee or caffeinated beverages after lunch or dinner.
- Avoid taking an afternoon nap.
- Inform your sleep physiologist about any medications you are taking.
How are home sleep study results interpreted?
A sleep physiologist will review the results of your home sleep apnea test, focusing primarily on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) or respiratory event index (REI). These metrics indicate the frequency of sleep disruptions per hour.
Key Metrics to Understand:
- Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI): Measures the number of apneas (complete pauses in breathing) and hypopneas (partial reductions in breathing) per hour of sleep.
- Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI): Tracks drops in blood oxygen levels.
- Total Sleep Time (TST): The overall amount of time spent asleep.
- Sleep Stages: Provides a breakdown of time spent in different sleep stages (light, deep, REM).
Normal Ranges for AHI Levels:
- Normal: < 5
- Mild OSA: 5-15
- Moderate OSA: 15-30
- Severe OSA: > 30
Your sleep physiologist will explain what these numbers mean in the context of your overall sleep health and provide a diagnosis and therapy plan if necessary.
What are the next steps if I'm diagnosed with sleep apnea?
Your sleep physiologist will discuss therapy options, which may include CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, or other interventions to manage your condition.