To diagnose sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea the traditional sleep studies are conducted in the lab overnight. These in-lab test results can take up to 2 weeks to interpret. But now home sleep apnea tests are becoming popular as they give faster results accurately.
How Long Does a Sleep Study Take?
There are majorly two types of sleep apnea study tests that are polysomnography and home sleep apnea test (HSAT). Polysomnography is an in-lab test that takes one night of about 8 to 9 hours of preparation and testing. The doctors there can ask the patients to come for the test for 1 or 2-3 nights for additional information that they may need. The home sleep study is more comfortable and does not take time for any preparation. The patient will just have to attach the NightOwl to their finger before they go for a night’s sleep. Polysomnography results take about 2 to 3 months because they test severe conditions which takes time to prepare. But home sleep study takes significantly less time than an in-lab test. The results will be interpreted and discussed by the board-certified physicians to see whether the patients need CPAP therapy.
The Home Sleep Test Process
Most home sleep apnea tests involve a device worn across the chest, a pulse oximeter on the finger, and a few chest sensors. While it is certainly easier to fall asleep at home than in a lab with a technician watching, these devices can still feel invasive and uncomfortable. Then, of course, you still have to mail the device back to the testing center after use for the results to be reviewed. Sleep Care Online, on the other hand, works differently. Here’s how it works:
- With the Complete Care Package, schedule a 10-minute telehealth visit with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms, upcoming sleep study, test results, and treatment options.
- A disposable home sleep apnea test is mailed to your home to be completed at your convenience.
- A physician analyzes the sleep data and provides a prescription if needed.
- Schedule an optional follow-up appointment (additional fee applies).
- We connect you to sleep experts who can offer customized sleep therapy options, assistance in equipment purchase, and initial set-up.
What Does a Sleep Study Show?
The NightOwl home sleep apnea test provides valuable insight into your sleep to help determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea. This disposable device is secured to your finger using the included adhesive strips. With an infrared sensor, NightOwl measures blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and peripheral arterial tonometry, or PAT – a common method of measuring apneas.
NightOwl also measures total sleep time so doctors can determine what percentage of sleep is made up of apnea events.
What Happens After a Sleep Study?
If a diagnosis of sleep apnea is confirmed, patients will receive a script for CPAP therapy. CPAP is considered the gold standard of sleep apnea treatment and works by sending pressurized air into a patient’s airway to keep it open throughout the night.
With Sleep Care Online, patients will be connected to sleep experts to not only help with the equipment purchasing process but also the equipment setup. These sleep experts will provide assistance and troubleshooting to help patients initiate therapy.
If you have questions about home sleep tests or want to ensure you get your results fast, visit us at Sleep Care Online. Our knowledgeable customer care team is standing by to help you take the first step toward better sleep. Give us a call at 866-465-4478 or email contact@sleepcareonline.com.
Reference:
- Sleep Education. In-lab sleep study – Testing Process & Results. Accessed January 2020.
