Testing Overview

Home sleep testing provides a board certified sleep medicine physician with the information he or she needs to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Home sleep testing allows you to sleep at home wearing equipment that collects information about how you breathe during sleep. During your visit in the hospital, a technician will show you how to use the equipment. You will then be sent home with the sleeping device and instructions, reviewing what your technician went over during your visit.  

There are a variety of home sleep testing devices that have different sensors and equipment. All home sleep test devices measure your breathing and blood oxygen level. Some may also measure your heart rate or other information about your body. Home sleep testing is primarily used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.

A sleep specialist may recommend home sleep testing if:

  • It is highly likely that you have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. 
  • You have no significant medical conditions other than the suspected obstructive sleep apnea. 

You should not have a home sleep test if:

  • You do not have a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
  • The physician suspects you may have another sleep disorder.
  • You have certain medical conditions including: pulmonary diseases, neuromuscular diseases or congestive heart failure.
  • In these cases, your sleep specialist may recommend an in-lab sleep study instead of a home sleep study. An in-lab sleep study provides the most complete evaluation of your sleep.