What is a Home Sleep Test? |
Posted: November 18, 2020 |
If you wake up and still feel tired, you should consider getting tested for Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA. OSA interrupts your sleep because your throat muscles relax so much that they close the airway and cause an apnea or interruption in getting oxygen into your lungs. Can you do Sleep Testing at Home?There is a very easy and cost effective way to test for OSA at home. You can get an online prescription from a sleep doctor for an at-home sleep test. The A home sleep apnea test consists of a breathing monitor that tracks your oxygen levels and the effort it takes to breath. Is a Home Sleep Test the Same as a Lab Sleep Study?No, the test is specifically designed to detect OSA, and doesn’t provide a thorough assessment which could be used to diagnose other sleep issues. In the lab, sleep technicians monitor brain waves, muscle tone, and body movements. If you have other health issues that involve breathing, you may want to consider the lab study. What do Home Sleep Tests Monitor?Home sleep tests monitor breathing and this information is used by a physician to determine whether you have OSA. The test uses sensors that you place on your finger, perhaps as a small cannula inserted into your nose and perhaps around your chest to monitor your breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels. Is it Worthwhile to Take a Home Sleep Test?Yes, it is. It is much cheaper than an in lab study and usually your insurance will cover the cost. You do it in your own bed at your own convenience, and with telehealth follow up visits to discuss your results, it’s very fast and accurate. You may have a sleep disorder that is not caused by an apnea, and if this is the case, you can discuss your symptoms with the sleep doctor during your telehealth follow up visit. Additionally you can also discuss the treatments for OSA if your diagnosis was positive. Most people with OSA are prescribed a PAP machine which blows pressurized air through your airways via a mask while you sleep so that your airway remains open. Some people have trouble tolerating this device and your sleep doctor can also help you with recommendations and coaching while you are getting used to sleeping with it. For more information about home sleep testing you can visit the Sleep Care Online website.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|