What is a home sleep study, and how does it work?
"A home sleep study is a convenient and effective way to test for obstructive sleep apnea without having to spend the night in a lab," says Joseph M. Leary, MD, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) at ARC Far West Medical Tower in Austin. "With a home sleep study kit, you can sleep in your own bed while a small, portable device monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and other vital signs to provide valuable insights into your breathing and oxygen levels at night."
At ARC, our ENT doctors and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) oversee the process, ensuring accurate results. After completing the study, you'll return the kit to the office, where a Board Certified Sleep Medicine Specialist will analyze the data and make recommendations.
What devices are used to measure my sleep during the study?
The SleepView home sleep study device is a compact tool that records important data while you rest. It includes:
- A small monitor that records your breathing and oxygen levels
- Sensors that measure vital signs like heart rate and airflow
- A nasal cannula to detect airflow
- A belt is worn around the chest to track respiratory effort
These tools work together to give a detailed picture of your sleep patterns. Learn about the steps and equipment involved in a home sleep study with ARC.
What is measured during a home sleep study?
During the study, the device records several key health markers, including:
- Breathing patterns: To detect pauses or shallow breathing
- Oxygen levels: To assess how well your body is getting oxygen while sleeping
- Heart rate: To monitor any irregularities
- Snoring: To evaluate noise associated with breathing
- Sleep disruptions: To identify awakenings or arousals during the night
This information helps specialists determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea or another sleep disorder.
When is a sleep study necessary?
A sleep study may be recommended if you experience:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Frequent pauses in breathing during the night
- Morning headaches or difficulty concentrating
- High blood pressure or other signs of heart disease
If a home sleep study confirms obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor or APC may recommend treatment options like a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps keep your airway open while you sleep.
Learn more about home sleep studies with ARC.
"We need both adequate sleep quantity and sleep quality for good health, good mental clarity, and good functioning during the day," says Dr. Leary. "If you're struggling with sleep, consulting an ENT doctor or APC can help determine if a home sleep study is the right step toward better rest and well-being."
Make an appointment today
Dr. Leary is currently accepting new patients of all ages. Make an appointment by calling ARC Far West Medical Tower at 512-346-8888.