As technology advances, doctors are utilizing home sleep tests (HST) with greater frequency to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders related to breathing. However, in-lab polysomnograms, which are administered in a lab setting, remain the gold standard for sleep medicine.
Here are a few things to be aware of when considering an HST:
- HSTs are offered on a case-by-case basis after consultation with one of OSA’s board-certified sleep specialists.
- Patients will receive step-by-step instructions on how to administer the HST from a licensed sleep technologist.
- HST equipment is compact, lightweight, and easy to use, and allows patients to administer the test from the comfort of their own bed.
- HSTs monitor nasal airflow, breathing effort, blood oxygen saturation, heartrate, snoring, and body position.
- A follow-up visit will be scheduled allowing HST results to be reviewed the day after testing.
- OSA sleep practitioners will develop and discuss an appropriate plan for sleep health based on the results of the HST. This may include recommendation of an in-lab study for additional data.
For instructional videos on HST, visit the following:
