Research & Publications

In-lab Sleep Study Not Working? Try A Home Sleep Study

Date Posted: Tuesday, April 29th, 2014 by Don Sesso

For the past month, our articles on snoring and sleep apnea have been featured in Philly.com's Health section. The latest article titled How snoring can cause weight gain prompted a question on sleep studies that we think applies to all people who think they have sleep apnea:

Went for a sleep study and because of all the wires and the smell of glue from the probes attached to my head couldn't sleep and left without results. I sincerely think that I do have sleep apnea and my PCP is concerned. Any options to avoid the test?  Ron R.

Ron, thanks for your question.  Have you considered a home sleep study?  I think this is an excellent path for you to take and a viable option to in-lab sleep studies.

Historically, sleep studies have been performed in labs or hospitals.  There are patients that are comfortable with in-lab tests and there are patients who are uncomfortable with it or inconvenienced by it. Some patients just don't have the time to commit to an overnight stay, others have physical limitations that prevent them from going to a lab, and there are those who just can't fall asleep comfortably in an unfamiliar environment.  In the past, patients did not have another option. This is changing now that home studies are becoming more available to patients.

There are advantages to having a sleep test at home. Home sleep tests can be conducted in the comfort of your own bedroom.  They are easier to perform, more comfortable, less expensive and require less equipment attached to your body.  Moreover, there aren't any sticky electrodes, gels, or glues. Patients report that sleeping in their own bed also relieves anxiety and gives a more accurate picture of a typical night's sleep.

A home sleep study must involve your sleep specialist who will give you the necessary equipment and a tutorial so you can use it correctly.  Actual setup time at home should take no more than a few minutes. The next day, return the unit and your data will be analyzed.

Don't be discouraged that you had difficulty with the in-lab sleep test. Other patients have expressed the same concern and found the home sleep study to be more tolerable and less intrusive.  Hopefully, home sleep studies will eliminate some of the barriers that prevent people from being tested for sleep apnea.

Sincerely,
Donald M. Sesso, D.O.