What is a Home Sleep Study?

A Home Sleep Study is a non-invasive, self-administered medical test for Sleep Apnea, a condition where a person pauses or stops breathing during sleep. Home Sleep Testing usually uses three (3) sensors placed on the outside of your sleep attire to measure your breathing, oxygen, and heart rate while you sleep at home. Compared to an In-Clinic Sleep Study’s twenty-five (25) sensors, a Home Sleep Study is much easier for patients to sleep with and tolerate.

A Home Sleep Study measures:

  • Heart rate (pulse)

  • Breathing pattern and disruptions (nasal)

  • Snoring frequency

  • Oxygen saturation levels

SleepSomatics has provided top-rated sleep testing in Austin since 1999. SleepSomatics testing is accredited and validated by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. We are also a licensed State of Texas Durable Medical Equipment provider and a certified Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility for the Centers for Medicare Services.

An introduction to home sleep apnea testing for obstructive sleep apnea. Sensors connected to your body collect information about how you breathe while you sleep in the comfort of your home. A physician will recommend a sleep test if he or she suspects you have sleep apnea.

ANSWERS TO HOME SLEEP STUDY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  • Do you mail home testing equipment?

    • No. Home testing equipment must be picked-up and returned to our sleep laboratory in North Austin, TX.

  • Are needles used in a Home Sleep Study?

    • No. No needles are used at SleepSomatics for sleep testing.

  • Is Home Sleep Testing covered by health insurance?

    • All health insurance policies have different coverage and restrictions. You may contact your health insurance policy’s customer service to inquire about specific questions.

  • Do I need a physician referral/order for home sleep testing?

    • Yes, you need a physician order for home sleep testing if you choose to use your health insurance or choose to work with an American Academy of Sleep Medicine accredited sleep disorders center like SleepSomatics.

  • How many nights does Home Sleep Testing last?

    • SleepSomatics recommends three (3) contiguous nights of evaluation to ensure high sleep test validity. Some insurances may only cover one (1) or two (2) nights of evaluation, and though 2 nights may be considered, a one (1) night Home Sleep Study is not recommended due to high failure rate and poor test result validity. Patients often sleep poorly the first night or wake more frequently, thus reducing evaluation. Multi-night, contiguous home sleep testing is also recommended for patients with insomnia and anxiety, as if there is poor sleep on the first or second night, the third night generally collects sufficient data for analysis.

  • How should I sleep during my test?

    • Try to maintain as normal and usual of sleep and lifestyle routine as an average night of sleep during your testing. Making dramatic changes may reduce the validity of the testing results.

    • Sleep in a position that is most comfortable for you (on your back or your side). However, we recommend against sleeping on your stomach (or prone) due to the increase in potential data errors with prone sleep.

  • Can I take a sleep aide during my test?

    • You should maintain your normal routine (including prescription and over-the-counter medication usage). Changes to your normal routine may reduce testing validity.

  • What if alcohol / marijuana usage is my normal sleep or lifestyle routine?

    • Minor alcohol usage may be consumed in the evening if this is part of your normal sleep or lifestyle routine.

    • This is a medical diagnostic procedure. Intoxication is prohibited and may present safety risks or issues for patients who disregard these directions.

  • How do I fall asleep with the device on?

    • To assist with acclimation and reduce anxiety, it can be helpful to setup your Home Sleep Study on your person (but leave it turned OFF) and sit upright in a chair and relax while reading or watching television 1-2 hours before your normal sleep time.

  • What does this device test / what are the sensors detecting?

    • Home Sleep Testing is a screening tool and estimation of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, oxygen saturation, and heart rate. Home sleep testing does not diagnose or treat any other sleep disorders. Home sleep testing does not measure or quantify neurological sleep, sleep continuity, or restorative sleep indices.

    • The Home Sleep Study and its chest belt record the pattern of your breathing and the position of your sleep.

    • The nasal cannula records the pressure of your breathing and snoring.

    • The finger sensor records the saturation of oxygen in your blood and your heart rate.

  • May I sleep nude / partially-nude during testing?

    • For both male and female patients, please wear at least a t-shirt or pajama top and bottom to sleep with the device.

  • What do I do in an emergency?

    • If you experience an emergency during your home sleep test, do not call or return to SleepSomatics. Please immediately call 911. This is an unattended procedure, so there is not a sleep technician monitoring your Sleep Monitor Device usage during your at-home testing, nor does the device transmit wireless data to SleepSomatics for monitoring or technical assistance.

  • When do I take the device off?

    • Please remove the Home Sleep Study device from your person before smoking, vaping, eating, drinking, or bathing.

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