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Am I A Candidate For Home Sleep Testing?

Sleep apnea does more than harm your physical and emotional health -- it can affect your relationships and work performance as well. The lack of restful sleep can make you feel depressed and mentally foggy, leading to irritable interactions with family, friends and co-workers. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea or have been told that you're snoring often, then you may be a candidate for a home sleep study test.

In this blog, the sleep apnea specialist at eos dental sleep will explain a home test for sleep apnea.

What Is a Home Sleep Test?

In order to get an accurate diagnosis of what is causing your snoring, you need to undergo a sleep test, also called a polysomnogram. This test will indicate whether you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.

A home sleep test is similar to a regular sleep test however; it is just performed at home. It's a convenient alternative to the traditional polysomnogram. Instead of having to go into a lab and sleep in a strange bed -- something that can make even the best sleeper uncomfortable and make him or her sleep poorly -- you get a portable testing kit and sleep at home.

What Are the Benefits of a Home Sleep Study?

The home sleep test is a private alternative, as you don't have technicians observing you. Instead, you wear a headband with a data collection device that records information as you sleep. The device collects enough data to sufficiently identify obstructive sleep apnea as well as how severe it is.

The results are quick, and the technology is well tested so you can trust that the results are accurate. The home test for sleep apnea is more cost-effective because you don't have to arrange for childcare, travel, or time off work.

Your test results will be evaluated by our sleep specialist who will give you a diagnosis within a few days at most.

When Is a Home Sleep Study Recommended?

If you are showing symptoms of moderate to severe sleep apnea, your doctor will likely advise you to have the home sleep test done. There's no other way to diagnose sleep apnea without having you monitored while you sleep.

A home sleep study is recommended if you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Unexplained dry or sore throat
  • Chronic snoring
  • Brain fog or even just chronic fatigue and feeling tired often

What Happens During a Home Sleep Study?

Once you've been recommended for a home sleep study, you will be given a small device and instructions on how to use it. You'll be able to sleep comfortably while wearing the device, which you wear around your head as if it were a headband. The device will collect information about how you're breathing, what your blood oxygen saturation is like, what your pulse is, and whether or not you're snoring. After the test, you will return the device for evaluation.

Once the results have been interpreted and a diagnosis is made, then you and the sleep specialist can determine the best treatment for your personal needs.

Where Can I Be Evaluated for a Home Sleep Study in Philadelphia?

At eos dental sleep, our goal is to help you get the restful night's sleep that you deserve.

Home sleep testing isn't for everyone, but you should contact eos dental sleep to schedule a consultation so you can find out if you qualify.

Don't let your sleep quality and your overall health decline any further. Call eos dental sleep for an evaluation today!