What is a Home Sleep Test?
How does the Home Sleep Test Work?
Sleeptopia Inc has the first available diagnostic home sleep testing available in Kansas! We have various Sleep Diagnostic Testing devices that are made specifically for recording data for proper diagnosis for Sleep Apnea.
You can speak to your doctor about the symptoms that you may be having. Your doctor can contact us and send over an order for a home sleep test. We will verify insurance, if applicable and set up the appointment per your convenience.
The day of your appointment, a Sleeptopia sleep specialists will provide a face to face instruction on how to properly assemble the equipment.
During the appointment, you will be asked to fill out a few forms prior to performing your home sleep study. The average takes 15-20 minutes to fully complete.
You will take the testing device home along with the instructions that we provide and perform normal nightly routines while wearing the device. In the morning, you’ll take the device equipment and bring the device back to our office (or mail it back to our office - depending on the agreed upon method).
Today we will be answering frequently asked questions about Sleep Apnea and Home Sleep testing.
You can check out our YouTube video based on Sleep Apnea and commonly asked questions by patients!
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder.
What is an AHI?
AHI stands for Apnea–Hypopnea Index. The AHI is the amount of times your body naturally stops breathing per hour. The mild OSA range has an AHI of 5 to 15 events per hour. Moderate OSA ranges from an AHI of 15 to 30 events per hour, and severe OSA ranges from an AHI of 30 or more events per hour.
How long should you wear the sleep study device?
The study will be performed during normal sleep time in the comfort of your own home. Prior to going to bed, allow approximately 10-15 minutes to attach the device. The necessary amount of time with the device on is 4 hours. This amount is necessary for interpretation.
What’s the difference between in lab sleep study vs in home?
You get to be in the comfort of your own home vs in lab, you will be required to stay overnight at a sleep center, hospital or a hotel room. An in-lab sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, records your brain waves, heartbeats and breathing as you sleep. It also charts your eye movements, limb movements and SP02
What happens after I do the sleep study?
After the sleep study, within 7 business days your primary care physician will contact you to discuss the results of your home sleep study. During those 7 business days, your home sleep study will be interpreted by a Board-Certified American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
What is an interpretation of the sleep study?
The Board-Certified doctor will receive a copy of your report, which will show the AHI, O2, average Heart Rate, and your REM cycles. Finally, they will send your primary care physician a copy of your sleep report and a recommendation.
What is REM Sleep?
REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement. During this cycle of your sleep, your eyes will move and dart quickly beneath your eyelids. During REM sleep, your brain activity increases, your pulse quickens, and you have dreams. REM sleep first takes place after you've been sleeping for around 90 minutes.
What is snoring?
Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flow passes through the relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe.
What if you need to use the restroom during the night, or need to take a sip of water?
If you awaken during the night and need to use the restroom, simply keep wearing the device. We simply ask to remove the pulse oximeter (the part of the HST that rests on your finger) to be removed while washing your hands. You are also able to wear the device to get up and have a drink of water.
What if I can’t fall asleep while wearing the device?
How long it takes you to fall asleep is part of the data that will be recorded, as that information is important to the study. Many people actually fall asleep sooner than they think they will be able too.
Will I be able to go to work?
Yes, you should be able to have a regular night’s sleep and be able to go to work the next day.
Talk with a Sleeptopia Sleep Specialist ahead of time if you have any questions about this.
When is the study over?
The study will end when you wake up in the morning. During the initial consultation, we will instruct you on what to do in the morning and how to return the system.
Do I have to change my normal sleep routine?
The answer is no! The device is designed to allow you to keep your normal nightly routine. This allows you to sleep in bed with your normal pillow and blankets. As it does not generate noises, it should not disturb you or your partner. You will be able to sleep and move freely in any position during the home sleep study.
Will my insurance cover my home sleep study?
Home sleep studies are covered by most insurance plans.
Sleeptopia enjoys in-network status with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Coventry, Tricare, Medicare, and many more!
What do I need to know, or do, before having a home sleep study?
The day of your appointment, a Sleeptopia sleep specialists will provide a face to face instruction on how to properly assemble the equipment. During the appointment, you will be asked to fill out a few forms prior to performing your home sleep study. The average takes 15-20 minutes to fully complete.
What not to do the day of your home sleep study?
Do not nap
Do not use lotions or creams on face or body
Do not wear makeup or jewelry
Do not wear acrylic nails or nail polish
Do not consume caffeinated foods or beverages, avoid chocolate, teal coffee, soda, etc.