How Does an At-Home Sleep Test Work?

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you will need to undergo a sleep test to get an official diagnosis. It’s understandable if you dislike the idea of packing up your PJs and going to spend the night in a medical facility with a bunch of wires hooked up to you. Fortunately, not everyone has to go to a lab to undergo a sleep test — you might be able to collect your sleep data right in the comfort of your own home. Let’s talk more about what you can expect from an at-home sleep apnea test in Vero Beach.

The Basics of At-Home Sleep Test

When you take an at-home sleep test, you borrow sophisticated machinery from the sleep administrator. You use it as directed, which may involve wearing a mask and/or clipping a sensor onto your finger. It will record data about your breathing patterns and other important information while you sleep. You return it to the clinic the next day so an expert can review your results and provide you with a diagnosis or recommend that you undergo further testing.

The devices used in at-home tests do not provide the same level of detail as those in a laboratory setting. However, if used correctly, they are generally a reliable way to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea in Vero Beach. If you have symptoms of other sleep disorders or have been diagnosed with certain medical conditions, your doctor might recommend that you undergo a lab sleep test instead.

How to Have a Successful At-Home Sleep Test

The specific details of how you should use the testing device will depend on the type of machine you use. The test administrator will give you detailed instructions on how to set it up so it provides accurate results. Generally speaking, though, there are some best practices that contribute to a successful at-home sleep test:

• Avoid napping the day leading up to your test. You want your results to reflect your normal sleep pattern as closely as possible.
• Do not drink caffeine after noon, and do not have alcohol before bedtime. These substances can interfere with sleep and may skew your results.
• Try to spend time sleeping on both your back and your side. Sleep apnea symptoms tend to be worse when a person is sleeping on their back. Shifting positions throughout the night may provide a more accurate picture of how well you sleep.
• Go to bed at your usual time. If you are extra-exhausted when you fall asleep, it may interfere with your test results.

An at-home sleep apnea test is a convenient, cost-effective, and non-invasive way to gain insight into the quality of your nightly rest. It might be the first step on your journey toward conquering sleep apnea in Vero Beach!

Meet Dr. Mogell

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is double-board certified in dental sleep medicine. He focuses primarily on helping patients conquer sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, he can help you arrange for at-home or in-lab testing. To learn more about how our practice may be able to serve you, call our Vero Beach office at 772-882-6800 or reach out to one of our other convenient locations.