Do you suffer from chronic snoring? Maybe you don’t feel well-rested in the morning despite sleeping the recommended 7 to 8 hours per night? Your healthcare professional may recommend an at-home sleep apnea test to find the cause of your poor night’s rest. At least 22 million Americans live with sleep apnea; however, many people are undiagnosed because the symptoms are quite diverse. An at-home sleep study will provide the information necessary to determine if you have the sleep disorder. Here’s what you can expect while undergoing your testing.
How Does At-Home Sleep Apnea Testing Work?
If a clinical evaluation indicates a potential for sleep apnea, an at-home sleep study will be recommended to monitor your oxygen levels and vitals while you’re sleeping. You won’t have to worry about staying the night at a sleep facility. Instead, you’ll use a portable monitoring device, allowing you to sleep in your bed while the equipment gathers the necessary information. The device will feature three components:
- A nasal cannula to measure airflow throughout the night.
- A belt that’s fitted around the upper chest to track your respiratory effort.
- A clip that’s placed on the finger to monitor oxygen saturation in the blood.
After completing the test, you’ll return the device to your sleep specialist. They will analyze the data and forward the information to your physician to create a customized treatment plan if sleep apnea is confirmed.
What are the Benefits of At-Home Sleep Apnea Testing?
At-home testing offers a variety of benefits over visiting a sleep center, such as:
- Enhanced Comfort: The thought of sleeping in an unfamiliar bed with several electrodes hooked up to you can make it almost impossible to fall asleep. You’re able to sleep in your own bed wearing a comfortable device that provides accurate results.
- Affordable: You won’t need to worry about the costly fees of a sleep center. An at-home sleep study is more affordable and covered under many insurance plans.
- Convenience: If you have a busy schedule, you won’t need to miss a day of work or worry about juggling your responsibilities at home. At-home sleep testing accommodates your lifestyle to make the study more manageable.
Do I Need to Prepare for At-Home Sleep Testing?
Your sleep specialist will review any preparation for your testing when you receive your device. They’ll recommend you:
- Avoid napping during the day.
- Stay away from caffeine after lunch.
- Sleep on your back or sides.
Benefit from Comfortable Testing
If you’re ready to get the rest you need, your first step is to complete your sleep testing. Your sleep specialist will have all the information they need to create a customized treatment plan without having to worry about staying overnight at a special center.
About Dr. Dean Hutto
Dr. Hutto earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. He completed additional training to specialize in the treatment of sleep apnea. As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he has the qualifications and experience you can trust. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.