Frequently Asked Questions
What are Home Sleep Tests (HSTs)?
Home Sleep Tests (HSTs) are simple sleep studies that you can do in the comfort of your own home. They are designed to diagnose sleep disorders, especially sleep apnea.
How do Home Sleep Tests Work?
You’ll receive a portable monitoring device to wear while you sleep.
This device records your breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels, and other vital signs.
In the morning, you return the device to your healthcare provider for analysis.
What are the Benefits of Home Sleep Tests?
Convenient: No need to stay overnight in a sleep center.
Comfortable: Sleep in your own bed, which can lead to more accurate results.
When should you not have a home sleep apnea test?
You do not have a high risk of sleep apnea.
Your doctor suspects that you have another sleep disorder.
You have certain medical conditions including pulmonary diseases, neuromuscular diseases or congestive heart failure.
It is physically difficult for you to administer the test at home.
What is Polysomnography (PSG)?
Polysomnography (PSG) is a comprehensive sleep study typically conducted in the sleep center.
How does Polysomnography (PSG) work?
You’ll stay overnight at the sleep center, and specialists will monitor various aspects of your sleep.
Sensors are placed on your body to record brain waves, heartrate, and breathing as you sleep. It also tracks your eye, leg and arm movements, and oxygen levels in your blood.
This study provides detailed information about your sleep stages and any disruptions.
What are the Benefits of Polysomnography (PSG)?
Thorough: PSG is the gold standard for diagnosing various sleep disorders.
Accurate: It provides a comprehensive assessment of your sleep patterns and any issues.
Test for sleep-related breathing disorders including sleep apnea.
Evaluate abnormal behaviors during sleep due to parasomnia.
Part of the evaluation of narcolepsy or other hypersomnia-related disorders
Adjust the levels of airflow in patients who receive CPAP therapy for sleep disordered breathing.
Determine why treatment for a sleep disorder is not working.
Sleep studies are NOT used to diagnose insomnia, but it can be helpful to rule out other possible disorders.
Which One Is Right for You?
HSTs are suitable for simple cases, like suspected sleep apnea.
PSG is recommended for complex cases and when a more detailed evaluation is needed.
If you think you might need a sleep study, contact us. We can evaluate your symptoms and determine if a sleep study is necessary to diagnose and address any sleep-related issues.