Have you been prescribed a home sleep test? This is an important process that goes towards diagnosing a number of sleep disorders. This is a simple testing procedure that offers comprehensive sleep data analysis in the convenience and comfort of one’s home, which makes it a popular alternative for those affected by sleep disorders. This article is going to tell you absolutely everything you need to know about how home sleep tests work.
What is a home sleep test?
As the name suggests, a home sleep test is a test conducted inside the patient’s home in order to monitor their sleeping patterns and diagnose potential sleeping disorders. The test is performed by the patient using specific testing equipment provided by a sleep clinic, the results of which are then assessed by sleep experts to determine the presence of any sleep disorders.
Why would I be assigned a home sleep test?
If a doctor assigns you for a home sleep test, it means either one of two things;
- You fit the criteria to have a level 2 sleep study conducted at your home, instead of needing to be assessed inside a sleep clinic by an expert
- You have a high probability of moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), where the best results for diagnosis are yielded when you are sleeping in your usual environment
How does a home sleep study work?
When you are prescribed a home sleep study, the following occurs;
- You attend a Manse Medical sleep clinic in order to obtain the technology you will use to monitor your own sleep, as well as be briefed on how to use it
- That night, you will wear said technology as you sleep, and it will collect data based on your sleeping patterns
- The next day, you return the technology to the sleep clinic. They will then download the data from the equipment and send it to their sleep physicians for analysis
- From there, a diagnosis can be made
What does a home sleep study measure?
A home sleep study measures many of the body’s physiological activities while sleeping. These signals are recorded in order to identify the different stages of sleep, as well as how the body responds during the night.
The end result of a home sleep study is the complex monitoring and recording of the following in order to determine whether or not there is a sleep disorder present that requires treatment;
Breathing
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a condition in which the patient’s breathing is reduced during sleep due to obstructions in their airways. As a result, patients with OSA will display what’s called a “reduced respiratory rate”, meaning they are literally breathing less than normal. This can lead to further health complications, making it all the more important that a home sleep study is conducted so OSA can be diagnosed.
Oxygen levels
As obstructive Sleep Apnoea affects the patient’s breathing, people with OSA have lower blood oxygen levels. It is possible to determine the severity of a patient’s OSA by monitoring their blood oxygen levels using what’s called Pulse Oximetry. This is an easy and painless method of measuring the distribution of oxygen to areas of the body such as the arms and the legs. The ideal oxygen levels are 95% to 100%. Levels below 90% may suggest a disruption to the oxygen supply of some sort, or persistent levels below 90% may indicate other underlying pathology and may require further investigation.
Leg movements
Leg jerking during sleep might not seem like a big deal at the time, provided it’s not too disruptive towards one’s sleep. However, it can be a signifier for underlying health problems, making it important to monitor. Sleep Apnoea is one of the many possible causes of leg movements during sleep, which is why leg movements are one of the important measurements taken during a home sleep test.
Brain wave activity
Brain wave activity signifies the different stages of sleep. Hence, disruptions in brain wave activity signify difficulty in transitioning between sleep stages. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that regulate the body’s breathing. Because CSA can result in complications, such as fatigue and cardiovascular problems, it is important that brain wave activity is monitored so it can be diagnosed.
Eye movements
One of the most important stages during sleep is Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. In this stage; brain activity increases, the eyes begin to dart around quickly and pulse, blood pressure and breathing speed up. REM sleep plays an important role in dreaming, memory, emotional processing and healthy brain development. It is important to measure eye movements to ensure the patient is able to effectively enter REM sleep.
Heart rate
Typically, the heart rate slows down during regular sleep, then rises once REM sleep has been reached. Because sleep problems have a negative impact on heart and cardiovascular health, it is important to monitor heart rate when observing a patient’s sleeping patterns. Disorders such as sleep apnoea or periodic limb movements that interfere with sleep have been linked to a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease.
Home Sleep Tests vs Attended Sleep Tests
There are differences between a home sleep test and an attended lab sleep test. Some of these include:
These differences include:
- The number of measured variables, as attended lab studies are more comprehensive and can give a more complete picture of a patient’s sleep habits.
- The attendance of sleep technicians, as home sleep tests require sleep technicians to respond to data procured by the patient, whereas attended lab tests involve the sleep technicians monitoring the patient in real time.
- The location of the test. Many find it easier to conduct the test in their own home, as it is easier for them to sleep in that environment than at a sleep laboratory.
It is important to consult your doctor to find out which test it best suited to your needs.
How can I receive a home sleep test from Manse Medical?
At Manse Medical, we provide home sleep tests. Book your appointment online by selecting your preferred clinic and choosing from the list of available specialists.
