Do you tend to wake up choking in the middle of the night or feel constantly sleepy throughout the day? If so, these could be signs of sleep apnea, which can be a complicated situation in the long run. One way to know for sure if you have this condition is to undergo a professional sleep study. But is it possible to assess yourself at home? Keep reading to learn about at-home sleep tests and how they can help you with your situation.
What Is an At-Home Sleep Test?
Also known as a home sleep apnea test, this diagnostic method involves using a portable breathing device that you’ll wear while sleeping. The monitor is designed to help people check for obstructive sleep apnea while in the comfort of their home. While you rest, the device will assess your breathing and oxygen levels as well as any potential pauses in your breathing, which can be apnea episodes. At the end of the test, you can have a clearer idea of your breathing patterns during sleep.
The Benefits & Limitations of an At-Home Sleep Test
One of the great things about an at-home sleep test is that it’s quite comfortable. Instead of sleeping in an unfamiliar lab, you can simply take the assessment at home in your bed. The test itself is also convenient, as you can pick up the device from a local pharmacy or your primary physician’s office instead of needing to go to a sleep clinic. There’s also a shorter wait time for data collection, and you can also expect this method to work well within your budget, especially since it can be covered by insurance.
The main limitation of an at-home sleep test is that it mostly monitors your breathing and oxygen levels, which are only parts of the puzzle of sleep apnea. This means you likely won’t get the entire scope of your situation or condition unless you undergo a comprehensive sleep study from a qualified professional. Aside from potential technological malfunctions and less accurate data, at-home sleep tests can only help diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, not central sleep apnea.
While you can assess your quality of rest at home, it’s typically a good idea to seek help from a qualified sleep expert. Not only can they point you in the right direction for diagnosing apnea episodes, but they can even provide affordable oral appliance treatment to help you breathe easier throughout the night!
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond has been helping patients struggling with sleep apnea for decades. A graduate of Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, he offers a variety of treatment options to improve better quality of sleep, including oral appliance therapy. If you wish to know more about sleep apnea or want to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our team at 580-355-0344.